Electricity
Electricity distribution regions and your MPAN
Short answer
Great Britain is split into 14 electricity distribution regions. The first two digits of your MPAN’s 13-digit core show which one your business is in, from 10 (Eastern) to 23 (Yorkshire). Network costs differ by region, which is one reason two similar businesses can get different prices.
Key takeaways
- The first two digits of your MPAN core show your region (10–23).
- Network charges differ by region.
- Call 105 for a power cut anywhere in Great Britain.
Find your region
Look at the bottom line of the MPAN on your electricity bill. The first two digits are your distributor ID.
| ID | Region | Network operator |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Eastern England | UK Power Networks |
| 11 | East Midlands | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
| 12 | London | UK Power Networks |
| 13 | Merseyside and North Wales | SP Energy Networks |
| 14 | West Midlands | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
| 15 | North East England | Northern Powergrid |
| 16 | North West England | Electricity North West |
| 17 | North Scotland | SSEN Distribution |
| 18 | South Scotland | SP Energy Networks |
| 19 | South East England | UK Power Networks |
| 20 | Southern England | SSEN Distribution |
| 21 | South Wales | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
| 22 | South West England | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
| 23 | Yorkshire | Northern Powergrid |
Why your region matters
Part of every electricity bill pays for the local network that carries power to your premises. Those charges are set per region, so the same usage can cost a different amount in Yorkshire than in London. Suppliers build them into your unit rates and standing charge, so you won’t usually see them as a separate line unless you’re on a pass-through contract.
Supplier or network operator?
- Your supplier sells you the electricity and sends the bill. You choose them.
- Your network operator owns the cables and substations. You can’t choose them: it depends on where you are.
For a power cut, call 105 from anywhere in Great Britain to reach your network operator.
Sources
- Energy Networks Association: Find your network operator (energynetworks.org)
- Ofgem: Energy advice for businesses (ofgem.gov.uk)
Questions
Does my region change if I switch supplier?
No. The region belongs to the supply point, so it stays the same.
Why does my gas bill not have a region code like this?
Gas uses the MPRN, which works differently. See MPRN explained.
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