Where do I find my MPAN?
Your MPAN is usually printed on your electricity bill, often in a grid with a large S, as a 13-digit core number. The full number has 21 digits. If you can't find it, ask your supplier or your local network operator, or check older paperwork.
The MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) identifies your electricity supply point, not the physical meter. You need it to get quotes, switch or query a bill. See the MPAN glossary entry.
Where to look
- Your bill. Look near the supply address or in the supply details. A comparison site's guide describes a grid headed with a large S or a label such as "supply number". Many bills show only the 13-digit core.
- Your online account or supplier app.
- Your contract or renewal letter. It is often quoted so you can check the right meter is covered.
- The meter itself. Some older meters carry a sticker, but it's the least reliable place. Don't confuse it with the meter serial number.
If you can't find it
Ofgem says your network operator can give you your MPAN. Search your postcode on the Energy Networks Association's network operator tool, then contact the operator listed. Your supplier can also tell you if you are a customer.
New premises or tenants
If you've just moved in, the previous bill left at the site may show it. Otherwise ask your landlord or the network operator. Our moving premises guide explains what to do if you are on a deemed contract.
Check you have the right one
A building can have several MPANs (separate meters, or a meter for common parts or a sub-let unit). Match the address and the meter location before you give the number to anyone.
Giving your MPAN to a broker so they can quote is normal, but it is not a signature. Only sign a letter of authority if you understand what it allows.
Related
To understand each part of the number, see what the MPAN numbers mean. Gas has a separate number: find your MPRN. The full guide is find your MPAN and MPRN.
Reading what you find
If the number you find has 13 digits, that is the core and is enough for most quotes. If it has 21 digits, the first eight are the top line (profile class, meter time switch code and line loss factor class) and the last thirteen are the core. If it has fewer than 13 or looks like a short code, you may have the meter serial number instead. Electricity smart meter serials, for instance, are reported to start with 14P or 15P.
Several meters, several numbers
A business with a main supply and a separate meter for an outbuilding, flat or common area will have an MPAN for each. When you request quotes, say how many meters you have and give each number, otherwise a quote may cover only part of the site.
Keep a record
- Save MPANs in your accounts folder with the address and supplier.
- Note the date and who gave it to you.
- Don't post your MPAN on public forums or social media.
An MPAN is not secret like a password, but it identifies your supply, and a thief could use it as part of a fraudulent switch. Treat it like a bank sort code and account number.
Sources
General information only. Energy prices, rules and supplier terms change; check the latest position with your supplier, Ofgem or the Energy Ombudsman before you act.