What is an MPAN number?

What is an MPAN

An MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is the unique reference that identifies your electricity supply point. You’ll sometimes see it called a supply number or an ‘S number’, because it appears next to a large letter S on your bill.

The core of an MPAN is 13 digits long and it belongs to the property rather than the meter or the supplier. If you change supplier or have a new meter fitted, your MPAN stays the same.

That’s why anyone quoting for your supply asks for it first: it pins down exactly which connection they’re pricing, whoever bills you today.

Gas supplies have their own equivalent, the MPRN. If it’s your gas reference you need, read our MPRN guide instead.

Is the MPAN number on my meter?

No, and this catches a lot of people out. The number printed on your electricity meter is the meter serial number, which identifies the physical device. Your MPAN identifies the supply point itself and usually isn't shown on the meter at all.

Sending the serial number when you've been asked for an MPAN is one of the most common reasons quotes and switches stall. Use one of the methods below instead.

How to find your MPAN number

  • The quickest place to look is your electricity bill. Most suppliers print the MPAN on the first or second page, inside a grid-shaped box with an S in the top left corner. If you're struggling to make sense of your bill, our guide to understanding your energy bill walks through it line by line.
  • No bill to hand? Your supplier holds your MPAN on your account and can read it out over the phone. Citizens Advice can help you work out who your supplier is if you've just moved in and don't know. You can also ask your distribution network operator (DNO), the company that owns the cables in your region. If you're not sure who your DNO is, the Energy Networks Association's find my network operator tool will tell you from your postcode.
  • Or you can simply use our tool to find your MPAN number.

Businesses with several sites can ask us to pull together MPANs across the whole portfolio as part of a quote. It saves digging through paperwork for each property.

What does an MPAN number look like?

A full MPAN sits across two lines. The bottom line is the 13-digit core that uniquely identifies your supply. The top line carries technical detail about how your supply is set up, and some of it affects what you pay. Take this example:

(Hover over each section of the supply number to see what it tells you)

Does my MPAN change when I switch supplier?

No. Your MPAN belongs to the supply point, so it stays the same whether you're with Scottish Power, British Gas, EDF or anyone else. Keep it handy at renewal time and every quote you gather will be priced against the same, correct supply.

What to do next

If you're gathering MPANs because your electricity contract is up for renewal, we will do the legwork. Send us a recent bill or just your address and we'll identify your supply details, compare the market and come back with prices. You can just Get a quote , email us on info@purelyenergy.co.uk or call us 01615213400 to get started.