Meters and bills
MPAN explained: what the numbers on your electricity bill mean
Short answer
An MPAN, or Meter Point Administration Number, identifies an electricity supply point in Great Britain. It's printed on your electricity bill and is used to register your supply with a supplier, so you'll need it when you review or change your contract.
Key takeaways
- An MPAN identifies an electricity supply point in Great Britain.
- The 13-digit core is what matters for a quote.
- It stays the same when you switch or get a smart meter.
Where to find your MPAN
It's usually on the first or second page of your electricity bill, often in a box that starts with a large S. Some suppliers show just the 13-digit core number and label it "supply number" or "MPAN". You'll also find it in your supplier's online account and in contract paperwork.
A business with several meters will have one MPAN per supply point. If you run more than one site, each one has its own.
What the numbers mean
A full MPAN has two lines. The bottom line is the 13-digit core number, which uniquely identifies your supply point and doesn't change. The top line holds details about how the supply is set up.
| Part | Where | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Distributor ID | Core, first 2 digits | Which regional electricity network area your premises is in. |
| Unique identifier | Core, next 10 digits | Your individual supply point within that network. |
| Check digit | Core, last digit | Used to validate the rest of the number. |
| Supply details | Top line | Codes describing the meter set-up and network losses. Historically this included a "profile class". |
The top line changed in September 2025 as the industry moves to market-wide half-hourly settlement. Once migration is complete, profile classes are being removed for most meters, so newer bills may look different from older ones. The 13-digit core is what matters for a quote.
Why your MPAN matters when you review a contract
Suppliers use the MPAN to look up your meter, consumption history and network area. That affects the price they can offer, especially the standing charge and any network-related costs. Getting it right first time avoids delays and quotes for the wrong meter.
MPAN and MPRN: what's the difference?
| MPAN | MPRN | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Electricity | Gas |
| Length | 13-digit core, plus a top line of supply details | Usually 6 to 10 digits |
| Where it appears | Electricity bill, often in a box starting with S | Gas bill, labelled MPRN or meter point reference |
MPANs and smart meters
Installing a smart meter doesn't change your MPAN. The MPAN belongs to the supply point; the meter is just the device that measures it.
Export MPANs
If you generate electricity on site, for example with solar panels, and export some to the grid, you may have a separate export MPAN as well as your import MPAN. Make sure you quote the import MPAN when reviewing your supply contract.
Several MPANs at one site
Larger premises can have more than one electricity supply, each with its own MPAN. A site with a main building and a separately metered unit, for example, would have two. List them all when you make an enquiry.
If you can't find your MPAN
Check your supplier's online account or contract paperwork. If you don't know your supplier, for example because you have just moved in, your regional electricity network operator can help identify the supply.
Common problems
The MPAN on the bill doesn't match the meter. This can happen after a meter exchange or at sites with several supplies. Tell the broker, who can check it with the supplier.
You can't find a bill. Ask your current supplier, or check the online account. Your local network operator can also help identify the supply point.
Questions
Does my MPAN change when I switch supplier?
No. The MPAN belongs to the supply point, so it stays the same when you switch.
Is the MPAN the same as the meter serial number?
No. The serial number identifies the physical meter, which can be replaced. The MPAN identifies the supply point.
Which part of the MPAN do I need for a quote?
The 13-digit core on the bottom line. Giving the full MPAN is fine too.
Sources
- Elexon: Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement programme (elexon.co.uk)
- Ofgem: Energy advice for businesses (ofgem.gov.uk)