Your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) is a unique identifier for your electricity meter, consisting of up to 13 digits. It's essential for any changes to your electricity supply or when switching providers.

How to find your MPAN number

Unlike your MPRN for the gas network, the MPAN number isn't actually printed anywhere on your electricity meter. The simplest way to find your MPAN number is to check the top left or bottom right of your last electricity bill.

If you haven't got a previous bill to hand, you can get your electricity supply number by ringing your regional electricity supplier on one of the numbers below. The ID numbers shown should correlate to the Distribution ID on your meter, depending upon your region.

For more information about MPANs and why they're important, check out our guide to MPAN and MPRN numbers.

Most businesses are required to pay the standard 20% VAT on electricity. However, you may be eligible for a reduced 5% rate if you run a charity or a not-for-profit organisation. You might also qualify for this lower rate if your business uses less than 4,397 kWh of gas each month. To check your usage, simply refer to your latest bill for the exact figure.

If you believe your business qualifies for the lower VAT rate, contact your gas supplier and request a VAT declaration form. For more information, visit our guide to VAT for business gas and electricity.

Business electricity rates can often be cheaper per unit compared to domestic rates, mainly because businesses typically use more energy, allowing suppliers to offer lower unit prices. However, business energy bills may seem higher due to the 20% VAT charged on business gas and electricity, compared to the 5% VAT on domestic energy. Additionally, businesses often face higher standing charges—fixed daily fees—contributing to the overall costs.

While the unit price may be lower, these factors can make business electricity bills appear more expensive overall.

Regularly comparing rates can help businesses secure the best deals.

We can switch your supplier in as little as five working days. If you are currently out of contract and would like to switch suppliers as soon as possible, give us a call, and we will ensure your supply is switched as soon as possible.

Don't worry, switching suppliers will not interrupt your energy supply.

If you could send a copy of your most recent energy bill, then that would be fantastic! It gives us all the information we need without you having to dig around for it. All we need is:

• Your company name
• Your contract end date
• MPAN

Business electricity prices change daily, making comparing rates regularly essential. Locking in a new contract when your switching window opens can be a great way to secure lower rates and avoid potential price hikes. Some of the top business gas deals currently include offers from big suppliers like EDF, British Gas Lite, and Scottish Power. These suppliers offer rates starting from 23p per kWh, depending on your business size and location.

To find the most competitive business electricity deals for your company, call us anytime on 0161 521 3400.

Due to government regulations, if your business uses more than 100 kVa at any time, you will need to have a half-hourly meter installed. Half-hourly meters take automatic meter readings every half an hour, which ensures your energy bills are accurate and that you don't get overcharged for your energy usage.

Yes, electricity prices can vary depending on what region of the UK you are in. This is mainly because of:

• Supply and demand
• The cost paid by suppliers
• Transportation costs (This is why electricity energy is often more expensive in rural areas)

With more electricity being generated by sustainable sources, prices are also dropping in areas that can produce their own renewable energy.

Micro business electricity refers to electricity supply contracts specifically tailored for micro businesses. A micro business is defined as a company with:

• Fewer than 10 employees
• An annual turnover of less than £1.7 million

To qualify for micro business electricity tariffs, your business must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Use less than 200,000 kWh of gas per year
• Use less than 55,000 kWh of electricity per year
• Have fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total not exceeding €2 million (approximately £1.7 million)

Microbusinesses often benefit from special rates, as energy suppliers recognise their smaller energy needs compared to larger businesses.