MPAN number: what it is, where to find it, and why it matters
Your MPAN is your electricity supply number for your home. Here’s how to find it on your bill or online, how to use it for switching, and what to do if it’s missing or doesn’t match your address.
- Usually 13 digits (shown in a “box” on your electricity bill)
- Used to identify your electricity meter point for switching and support
- Steps for tenants, new builds, and prepayment meters
Guide for UK households only. We don’t provide business energy comparisons. Details can vary by supplier and meter type.
Fast answer: what is an MPAN number?
An MPAN number is the 13-digit “supply number” that identifies your electricity meter point in Great Britain. You’ll usually find it on your electricity bill in a boxed section called “Supply Number” or “MPAN”. It helps suppliers and network operators match the right electricity supply when you switch, move home, or resolve billing issues.
Key takeaway
Most homes have one MPAN per electricity supply (some have more than one, for example certain off-peak setups).
Good to know
Your MPAN is not the same as your meter serial number (printed on the meter).
Privacy
It’s fine to share your MPAN with a legitimate supplier or comparison service, but treat bills as personal data (they often include address and account info).
Quick caveat: “MPAN” is used for electricity in Great Britain. If you’re in Northern Ireland, processes and identifiers can differ.
Do you need an MPAN to switch or compare?
Usually, no. Most households can compare energy deals using a postcode and a few details (property type, payment method, and usage). An MPAN can help when there’s any ambiguity—such as flats, new builds, recent meter exchanges, or when address data doesn’t match what suppliers hold.
When having your MPAN helps
- Moving into a property and supplier details are unclear
- Multiple meters / multiple supplies at one address
- New build where the address is “not recognised”
- Issues with bills, meter readings, or wrong meter
When you may not need it
- You already have an electricity bill for the address
- One standard meter and one supply
- You’re only getting a quick estimate quote
Switching tip: If you can’t find your MPAN, you can still start comparing. If you proceed to switch and there’s a mismatch, your new supplier may contact you for extra details before the switch completes.
Get an energy quote (no MPAN needed for most homes)
Share a few details and we’ll show whole-of-market options for UK households. If your property needs an MPAN later, we’ll explain what to provide.
How to find your MPAN number (step-by-step)
Try these in order. For most people, your MPAN is on your electricity bill. If not, your current supplier or your local electricity network operator can usually confirm it.
1) Check your electricity bill (paper or PDF)
Look for a boxed area labelled “Supply Number”, “MPAN” or “S Number”. The MPAN core is 13 digits. Some bills also show extra digits around it (these relate to the meter timeswitch regime and profile class).
2) Check your online account or app
Suppliers often show your MPAN under “Your supply”, “Meter details”, or “Electricity supply number”. Downloading a bill PDF is often the quickest route.
3) Ask your current supplier
Contact your supplier’s customer service and ask for the MPAN for your address. If you’ve just moved in, give them the full address and (if possible) a recent meter reading and the meter serial number from the meter.
4) Contact your local electricity network operator (DNO)
If you don’t know who the supplier is (common when moving), your Distribution Network Operator may be able to help identify supply details for your address. Start via Ofgem’s guidance on who to contact for electricity network issues: Ofgem: getting help if you have a problem with your energy supply.
Don’t confuse these: The meter serial number is printed on the front of your electricity meter (letters/numbers). The MPAN is typically shown on the bill and identifies the supply point, not the physical meter unit.
If you’re in a flat, new build, or you’ve just moved
Flats
Make sure you use the exact flat number format used by Royal Mail / your landlord (e.g., “Flat 2A”, “Apartment 2A”). Address mismatches are a common reason a supplier can’t locate the MPAN quickly.
New builds
MPANs can exist before your address is fully standardised. Your developer or letting agent may have the electricity supply details. If your address isn’t found, ask for the MPAN and the meter serial number, and keep a copy of your move-in readings.
Just moved
You don’t need to switch immediately to register—first, make sure you’re correctly set up with the current supplier for that MPAN. Citizens Advice explains what to do when you move: Citizens Advice: moving house and your energy supply.
MPAN vs MPRN vs meter serial number (quick comparison)
It’s easy to mix up the different numbers on your bill. This table helps you choose the right one for the job.
| Number | What it identifies | Where to find it | When you’ll need it |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPAN (usually 13 digits) | Electricity supply point (your home’s electricity “address” in industry systems) | Electricity bill “Supply number/MPAN” box; supplier online account | Switching, resolving wrong meter/wrong address issues, some move-in queries |
| MPRN (typically 10 digits) | Gas supply point | Gas bill; sometimes shown in the online account | Gas switching and gas supply queries |
| Meter serial number (letters/numbers) | The physical meter device | Printed on the meter; also on bills | Proving you’re reading the right meter; meter exchanges; troubleshooting |
| Account number | Your supplier billing account | Bills and emails from your supplier | Contacting your supplier about payments, direct debit, debt, refunds |
Decision checklist: is this guide for you?
- You’ve been asked for an MPAN and don’t know where to find it
- You’re switching and want to avoid address/meter mix-ups
- You’ve moved in and aren’t sure who supplies the property
- Your bill looks wrong (wrong meter or wrong flat)
Who it may not suit (or needs extra care)
- You’re looking for a business MPAN (business processes differ)
- You’re in Northern Ireland (different market structure)
- You suspect wrong meter and there’s an urgent safety issue (contact your network operator and supplier first)
If you’re dealing with an energy complaint or billing dispute, Citizens Advice explains escalation routes and the Energy Ombudsman process: Citizens Advice: problems with your energy supply.
Common pitfalls, exclusions, and what to watch for
MPAN problems are usually admin issues rather than anything “wrong” with your energy supply. These are the most common causes of delays, failed switches, or incorrect bills.
1) Copying the wrong digits
Bills may show extra numbers around the MPAN core. If you’re asked for the MPAN, it’s typically the 13-digit core shown in the MPAN box.
2) Confusing MPAN with the meter serial number
If you’ve got a reading issue or suspect you’re being billed for the wrong meter, suppliers often need the meter serial number from the meter itself (not the MPAN).
3) Flats: address formatting mismatch
A missing “Flat” label, a different building name, or an incorrect postcode can stop systems from matching your supply. Use the exact format used on your tenancy agreement and official mail.
4) More than one MPAN at one property
Some properties have multiple supplies (for example, a separate supply for an outbuilding or historic arrangements). A quote or switch must match the correct MPAN.
5) Meter exchanges and smart meter installs
After a meter exchange, billing data can take time to update across systems. Keep a note of the old and new meter serial numbers and your readings on the day of change.
6) Prepayment meters (PAYG)
You’ll still have an MPAN, but the switch process may involve extra steps (for example, replacing or updating the meter). Always check supplier terms, any debt assignment rules, and how credit is handled.
Realistic scenarios (with numbers, for context)
Scenario A: Flat address mismatch delays a switch
Assumptions: You live at “Flat 3, 10 High Street”. Your application used “10 High Street, Flat 3” and an old postcode from a letting advert.
Result: the supplier can’t confidently match the MPAN to the address, so they request more info. You provide the 13-digit MPAN from a bill PDF and the meter serial number (e.g., “AB123456”). The switch progresses once records align. Takeaway: having the MPAN can reduce back-and-forth.
Scenario B: Two MPANs at one address affects quotes
Assumptions: A house has a main electricity supply and a separate supply for a converted garage. Each supply has its own MPAN. Annual usage is estimated at 2,900 kWh (main) and 900 kWh (garage).
Result: if you only compare using the address, you may see tariffs based on the wrong usage or supply. Providing both MPANs (or confirming which one you’re switching) helps avoid switching the wrong supply. Takeaway: check whether you’re paying one bill or two, and match the MPAN(s) accordingly.
These scenarios are illustrative. Timelines, processes, and how data is displayed vary by supplier and meter setup.
MPAN number FAQs
Is an MPAN number always 13 digits?
The MPAN core used to identify a domestic electricity supply is typically 13 digits. Bills can show additional numbers in the same box (such as profile class and meter timeswitch regime), so make sure you’re using the MPAN core if a supplier asks for “the MPAN”.
Where is the MPAN number on an electricity bill?
Look for a boxed section labelled “Supply Number”, “MPAN” or sometimes “S Number”. It’s often near your address details or meter information on page 1 or 2 of a PDF bill.
Can I find my MPAN without a bill?
Yes. You can ask your current electricity supplier through your online account or customer service. If you’ve just moved in and don’t know the supplier, your local electricity network operator may be able to help identify supply details for your address.
Is my MPAN the same as my meter serial number?
No. The MPAN identifies the electricity supply point, while the meter serial number identifies the physical meter device. The meter serial number is printed on the meter itself and often includes letters.
Do I have a different MPAN if I have a smart meter?
Usually, no. A smart meter changes how readings are collected, but the MPAN typically stays the same because it relates to the supply point. If your meter has been exchanged, keep records of the change date and meter serial numbers in case billing data needs updating.
Why would an address have more than one MPAN?
It can happen if a property has multiple electricity supplies (for example, a separate supply for an annex, outbuilding, or older off-peak arrangements). Each supply point can have its own MPAN, and switching must be done against the correct one.
Can I switch energy if I don’t know my MPAN?
In many cases, yes—you can start a comparison and switching journey with your postcode and address. If the supplier can’t match the supply confidently (common in flats or new builds), they may ask for your MPAN or meter serial number before completing the switch.
What should I do if I think I’m being billed to the wrong MPAN or meter?
Contact your supplier and explain why you think the meter/supply is incorrect. Provide your address, the MPAN shown on the bill (if you have it), the meter serial number from the meter, and current readings. If you need independent guidance, use Citizens Advice energy supply help.
Trust, methodology, and limitations
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- July 2026
How we assess this (our approach)
- Definitions: We use industry-standard UK definitions of MPAN as the identifier for an electricity supply point in Great Britain.
- Practical steps: We prioritise methods that work for most households (bill → online account → supplier → network operator).
- User intent: We focus on switching, moving home, and fixing billing issues—where MPAN questions most commonly arise.
- Limitations: Bill layouts and labels vary by supplier; households can have unusual metering (e.g., multiple supplies). Northern Ireland differs, so this guide is GB-focused.
Transparency note: This guide is informational and not a substitute for your supplier’s advice. If you suspect a safety issue (burning smell, sparks, damaged equipment), contact your network operator or emergency services immediately.
Sources (UK)
We reference independent UK consumer and regulator guidance where possible:
- Ofgem: help if you have a problem with your energy supply
- Citizens Advice: moving house and your energy supply
- Citizens Advice: problems with your energy supply
- GOV.UK: moving home (general household admin)
Source links are provided for independent guidance; supplier processes and terminology can vary.
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Start with your postcode. If your home needs an MPAN later (for example, a flat or new build), we’ll explain what to check so you can switch with confidence.
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