What is an MPAN number?

What is an MPAN

An MPAN is a 13-digit number which identifies an electricity meter. Your electricity bills will include an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) number, which may also be called the supply number.

Does half-hourly settlement change your MPAN?

Your 13-digit MPAN stays the same. Market-wide half-hourly settlement (MHHS) is moving every electricity supply point in Great Britain onto half-hourly settlement, and about 75% had moved across by late October 2026. The deadline for the rest is 7 May 2027.

The part that matters less is the top line. Its profile class put non-half-hourly sites into settlement groups, but once your MPAN has migrated, your usage is settled on half-hourly data instead. Smart and AMR meters are settled on actual readings, and meters that don't communicate are settled on standard load shapes.

When a broker or supplier asks for your MPAN, the 13 digits on the bottom line of your bill are still the number that matters. Have them ready when you get a business electricity quote so the price is based on your actual supply.

Where to find an MPAN number?

Most energy bills show this number at the bottom of the page, but this is only the case for some suppliers. If you switch suppliers, your MPAN will remain the same. For more help understanding your energy bill, click here to access our guide.

How do I find my MPAN without a bill?

You can contact your local distribution network operator (DNO) if you cannot access your previous energy bill. If you’re unsure who the DNO is in your area, click here. Alternatively, you can contact Citizens Advice to access this information. All you need is your postcode.

Why does your MPAN matter?

It's the one detail that ties a quote to your actual meter rather than a rough guess, so any broker or supplier will ask for it before they can give you an accurate price. Get it wrong and the quote you're handed may not reflect what you'll really pay.

When it's time to switch, your MPAN keeps the move clean, and most business switches complete in 5 working days. It follows your address, not your supplier, so it stays the same however many times you change tariff, giving whoever manages the switch a single reliable reference to work from. Keep it to hand and the whole process is faster, sharper, and far less likely to go wrong.

What does an MPAN look like?

- Profile Class (S03 in the above example)

Your profile class can be anything from 00 – 08. A profile class splits consumers into different categories based on their energy consumption.

Under P272, sites in profile classes 05, 06, 07 and 08 had to move to half-hourly settlement (00) from 1 April 2017. Under MHHS, every MPAN is now moving to half-hourly settlement by 7 May 2027.

- Meter Time Switch Code (123 in the above example)

The next three digits refer to the number of registers your electricity meter has. These could be either dials or sets of meter numbers and the times they operate. This information is for your supplier and the networks, so you don’t have to pay attention to it.

- Line Loss Factor (456 in the above example).

The remaining three digits on the top line of your MPAN display the expected costs that the distribution company will charge your energy supplier to use the cables and networks in your area. It additionally indicates to your energy supplier the potential charges incurred due to the loss of electricity while getting to your property or business. This is mainly for your energy supplier, so you don’t have to pay attention.

- Distributor ID (12 in the above example)

These are the first two digits in the bottom line of the MPAN (12 in the above example). It refers to the region in which your property or business is located. The areas and their corresponding codes are as follows.

These are private network operators

- Meter Point ID (3456 7890 in the above example)

These are the following eight numbers. Each is a unique number within your distribution area and is used to identify the metering point.

- Check Digit (987 in the above example)

The final three numbers are based on the meter point ID and distributor ID. Check digit verifies both of these numbers.

FAQs:

Will my MPAN or MPRN change when I switch energy suppliers?

No, as long as you aren’t relocating, your MPAN / MPRN will remain the same. However, the MPAN / MPRN is fixed to the address, so if you move premises, your MPRN and MPAN will change.

My MPAN / MPRN looks incorrect. What do I do?

Firstly, you should double check the MPAN or MPRN number you have been provided against the MPAN or MPRN on your energy bill to make sure it matches. If there is still an issue you should contact your energy supplier, they should be able to correct this for you.

Will my MPAN change if I get a smart meter?

Your MPAN will remain the same if you get a smart meter. However, your MSN will change.

How can Purely Energy help

If you need help understanding your MPAN or MPRN, contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk for any queries. Purely Energy will advise you on your next steps to ensure you can attain the lowest energy bills possible. Alternatively, get an online quote from 18 suppliers.