What is an MPAN Number and why do I need one?

A Meter Point Administration Number, known commonly as an (MPAN number) relates to your electricity supply only and can be seen inside a grid format on your electricity bills. It starts with a large letter “S” followed by 21 digits.

Whilst it can initially appear to be a random sequence of digits, your MPAN number plays a key role in how your property connects to the national electricity grid. If you want to fully understand your utility bills, switch supplier or install solar panels, knowing your MPAN number and how it works will make the process much smoother.

What is an MPAN Number?

Your MPAN number, sometimes referred to as a “Supply Number” or “S-Number,” is unique to your property, not your meter. The MPAN number for your property is a unique 21-digit reference used to identify the electricity supply point at your specific building. If your energy provider changes the physical electricity meter at your property, your MPAN number remains exactly the same.

The format of an MPAN is standard. Your MPAN will always begin with an ‘S’ followed by 2 rows of numbers. The top row of numbers contains 8 digits in total. With the bottom row consisting of 13 digits, separated in the formats shown below:

Understanding Your MPAN Number

A Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) can be broken down into two main sections. The core data and the supplementary data. Here is what those numbers actually mean:

Top Row (Supplementary Data)

• Profile Class (First 2 digits): This tells the supplier what type of customer you are. For example, a standard home usually has a profile class of 01 or 02.
• Meter Time Switch Code (Next 3 digits): This shows how many registers your meter has. Also if you have a single or dual-rate tariff. For example Economy 7.
• Line Loss Factor (Next 3 digits): This indicates the expected cost the distribution network will incur to supply power to your property.

Bottom Row (Core Data)

• Distributor ID (First 2 digits): This identifies your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Your DNO is responsible for maintaining the power lines in your area.
• Meter Point ID (Next 8 digits): This is the unique identifier for your specific property.
• Check Digit (Final 3 digits): This mathematical security measure validates the rest of the MPAN and ensures that your MPAN number is correct.

What is an MPAN Number Used For?

The energy network uses your MPAN to track your electricity usage. Ensure you get billed correctly, and manage your property’s connection to the national grid. Energy Suppliers could not tell your electricity feed apart from your neighbor’s without this unique identifier.

How to Find Your MPAN Number

The simplest way to find your MPAN number is to look on your electricity bill. Your MPAN will likely appear in a grid format with a letter ‘S’ at the beginning and is usually recorded on the initial page header or footer.

If you have just moved into your property and don’t have an electricity bill yet, you can contact your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Your DNO can provide your MPAN number over the phone by looking up your address. You can also look up your number on line via the National Grid website.

What is the Difference Between an MPAN and an MPRN?

Whilst an MPAN number relates to your electricity supply. An MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) relates to gas your gas supply. It is easy to mix up these two acronyms, but they serve different utilities.

• MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number): Used exclusively for your electricity supply.
• MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number): Used exclusively for your gas supply.

If your property uses both gas and electricity, you will have both an MPAN and an MPRN. Your MPRN is shorter, typically consisting of 6 to 10 digits without an “S” at the beginning. Similarly the quickest way to find your MPRN is by looking at a recent bill.

Why Does Your Electricity Provider Need Your MPAN?

Electricity supplier need your MPAN number for a few very specific reasons:

1. Switching Suppliers: If you switch to a new electricity provider, they use your MPAN number to take over the exact supply point associated with your home.
2. Accurate Billing: It ensures your energy consumption data matches your account. Thus preventing you from paying for electricity not used by your home.
3. Resolving Faults: Your District Network Operator (DNO) uses your MPAN number to locate any issues with your connection to the National Grid.

Why are MPAN Numbers Important if you Have Solar?

Your MPAN number becomes even more important if you are planning to install solar panels at your property. If you generate more electricity than you require you may wish to sell the excess power back to the National Grid. In the UK, energy suppliers do this through a government incentive scheme called the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

To utilise the SEG scheme you require an Export MPAN Number. A standard MPAN monitors the electricity you pull from the grid. Whilst an export MPAN tracks the electricity you send back into it.

Your energy supplier will generate this second Export MPAN for you when you apply for an SEG tariff. This system ensures that your supplier pays you accurately for the excess energy you send back to the grid.

What is an MPAN Number and Why Do I Need One- Key Takeaways!

How Can E-Verve Energy Help?

Navigating utility details, industry acronyms and renewable energy installations can feel overwhelming. At E-Verve Energy we’re here to make the process simple. Whether you need help understanding your meter setup, want to transition to a more efficient energy system, or are ready to install solar panels and set up an export tariff, our expert team is here to guide you.

If you’re considering solar for your home and want professional and trusted advice we can help you to determine the best options for your budget. We provide free no obligation preliminary designs and quotations based off your usage and energy goals which include detailed information on ROI and potential monthly savings.

Alternatively you can use our free online quotation tool below to map out a solar array onto your own roof using satellite imaging. Our tool calculates how much energy and savings you could generate and allows you to add additional options such as battery storage.

We have over 10 years experience in the industry and were named Most Trusted Renewable Energy Installers in the North West so you’re in safe hands!