MPRN number: what it is, where to find it and when you need it
Your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) is the unique ID for your gas supply point in Great Britain. Use it to set up, switch or fix gas correctly—especially if your address is new, split into flats, or you’re not sure who supplies your gas.
- Usually 10 digits (sometimes shown with spaces)
- Found on your gas bill/statement or in your online account
- Different from your electricity MPAN (and your meter serial number)
Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes. Estimates only; availability and prices vary by region, meter type and payment method.
Fast answer: what is an MPRN number?
An MPRN number (Meter Point Reference Number) is a unique 10‑digit identifier for your gas supply point in Great Britain. It helps suppliers and network operators match your address to the correct gas connection when you set up an account, switch supplier or resolve a billing issue. It’s not the same as your gas meter serial number.
What it looks like
Usually 10 digits, sometimes shown with spaces (for example: 12 3456 7890).
Where to find it
On your gas bill/statement, welcome email, or your supplier’s online account area.
When it matters most
New builds, flats, shared/converted properties, or when a supplier can’t match your address.
Quick clarification: An MPRN is for gas. Your electricity supply point uses a different identifier called an MPAN.
How to find your MPRN (step-by-step)
Try these options in order. Most people find it in under a minute.
- Check a recent gas bill or statement (paper or PDF). Look for “MPRN”, “Meter Point Reference Number” or “Supply Point Number”.
- Check your online account with your current supplier. It’s often under “Account details”, “Property details” or “Meter information”.
- Look at your welcome email/letter from when you moved in or when your tariff started.
- If you’re moving in and have no bills yet, ask your landlord/letting agent or the previous occupier if they have a copy of the latest bill.
- If you still can’t find it, your supplier can usually confirm it after security checks. If there’s a mismatch (common in conversions), they may need extra details (see pitfalls below).
Tip: Don’t confuse your meter serial number (printed on the physical meter) with your MPRN. They’re used for different parts of the system.
What to do if you have no gas bill
If you’ve just moved in and the previous occupier’s bills aren’t available, take clear photos of your gas meter (including the serial number), note your full address exactly as held by Royal Mail, and record your opening meter reading. This helps a supplier locate the correct supply point faster.
Compare tariffs with confidence
You don’t always need your MPRN to start a quote, but having it can reduce delays if your address is hard to match (new build, flat conversion, shared supply).
When you need an MPRN number
Common reasons
- Switching gas supplier or fixing your tariff
- Setting up an account after moving home
- Resolving bills sent to the wrong flat/plot
- Correcting “unknown meter” or address mismatches
Often not essential
- Getting an initial quote (address + usage may be enough)
- Checking general tariff information
- Understanding your meter type
Important: Your MPRN identifies the gas supply point, not your supplier. A property can change supplier over time while the MPRN stays the same.
MPRN vs MPAN vs meter serial number (quick comparison)
These numbers are easy to mix up. This table shows what each is used for and where you typically find it.
| Identifier | Applies to | Typical format | Where you’ll see it | What it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPRN | Gas supply point | Usually 10 digits | Gas bill/online account | Match your address to the correct gas connection |
| MPAN | Electricity supply point | Usually 13 digits (often shown in a box) | Electricity bill/online account | Match your property to the correct electricity meter point |
| Meter serial number | The physical meter device | Letters + numbers | Printed on the meter itself | Confirm which meter you’re giving readings for |
Decision checklist: do you need to locate your MPRN today?
It’s worth finding your MPRN if…
- Your address is a new build or has recently been renamed/renumbered
- You live in a flat conversion (for example “Flat 1A” vs “Flat 1”)
- You’ve had a bill dispute or the supplier can’t locate your supply
- You’re arranging a switch and want fewer delays
You may not need it right now if…
- You can access a recent gas bill with clear account details
- You’re only researching prices and haven’t chosen a tariff
- Your property is a standard single dwelling with no address quirks
Two realistic UK scenarios (with numbers)
These examples show where the right identifier helps. Figures are illustrative and depend on your household and tariff.
Scenario 1: Flat conversion with similar addresses
You live at “Flat 2, 10 High Street”, but a quote journey matches “10 High Street” (no flat). Your annual gas use is 12,000 kWh (typical medium use). Having your MPRN helps the supplier link the correct flat supply point and reduces the risk of opening the wrong account.
Scenario 2: New build waiting for first bill
You move into Plot 18 and haven’t had a gas bill yet. You take an opening reading and estimate 8,000 kWh/year (small use). If the address isn’t fully live on supplier systems, the MPRN (or supplier confirmation of it) can be the quickest way to locate your supply point so billing starts correctly from your move-in date.
Assumptions used: annual consumption figures are illustrative and based on typical household ranges; your actual usage depends on home size, insulation, heating pattern and occupants.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls
Finding your MPRN is usually free. The issues tend to come from mismatched records, meter work, or tariff terms rather than the number itself.
Pitfall: confusing IDs
MPRN (gas) ≠ MPAN (electricity) ≠ meter serial number. Using the wrong one can delay setup or lead to incorrect billing.
Pitfall: address formatting
“Flat 1” vs “1A”, building names, and new postcodes can cause mismatches. Use the exact address format you see on official mail where possible.
Pitfall: tariff terms
Switching or fixing may involve exit fees and different prices by payment method (monthly DD vs prepayment). Check terms before agreeing.
What can cost money (not the MPRN itself)
- Leaving a fixed tariff early (exit fees vary by supplier and product)
- Meter work you request (for example, some non-standard changes)
- Debt on a prepayment meter (repayments can be taken via top-ups)
When switching can take longer
- New build supply points still being finalised in industry systems
- Properties with multiple meters or shared supplies
- Incorrect meter readings or wrong meter serial number on record
Safety note: If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, don’t focus on account details. Follow emergency guidance from the gas emergency service immediately.
MPRN number FAQs
Is an MPRN the same as a gas meter serial number?
No. Your MPRN identifies the gas supply point for the property, while the meter serial number identifies the physical meter. Both can appear on a bill, but they’re used for different purposes.
How many digits is an MPRN number?
In Great Britain, an MPRN is usually 10 digits. Some suppliers format it with spaces, but it’s the same number.
Can two properties share the same MPRN?
Normally, no—each gas supply point should have its own unique MPRN. If a building has been split into flats or had changes to the pipework, records can be messy, so it’s worth confirming details with the current supplier if there’s any doubt.
Do I need my MPRN to switch gas supplier?
Not always. Many switches can start with your address and a few details. But if your address is hard to match (new build, flat conversion, similar addresses), having the MPRN can help prevent delays or incorrect matching.
What if my MPRN can’t be found or doesn’t match my address?
First, double-check the address format (including flat number) and confirm you’re looking at gas (not electricity). If it still doesn’t match, contact your current supplier with your full address, opening reading (if you’ve just moved) and the meter serial number from the meter.
Is an MPRN used in Northern Ireland?
This guide is for Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland’s gas market and identifiers can differ by network/operator, so check your local provider’s guidance if you’re in NI.
Can I find my MPRN from my postcode?
A postcode alone often isn’t enough because multiple properties share the same postcode. You’ll usually need the full address and/or an existing bill. If you’re struggling, your current supplier can typically confirm it after security checks.
Is it safe to share my MPRN?
Your MPRN is an identifier, not a password. Still, treat it like personal account data: share it only with trusted organisations involved in your energy account or switch, and avoid posting it publicly.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page details
- Written by:
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated:
- July 2026
How we assess this topic
This guide focuses on the practical, user-facing role of the MPRN in the UK home energy market: identifying the correct gas supply point, preventing mis-matches in multi-occupancy properties, and reducing friction when setting up or switching an account.
- Assumptions: Great Britain domestic supply context (England, Scotland, Wales) and standard supplier billing formats.
- Limitations: Processes can vary by supplier, meter type (credit vs prepayment) and address records; this page can’t access or confirm your individual supply data.
- Numbers used: Example annual consumption figures (8,000 and 12,000 kWh) are illustrative household ranges for scenario clarity, not savings claims.
Independent sources we use
We reference regulator and consumer guidance for definitions and consumer rights. Supplier processes and wording can differ.
Ready to compare gas and electricity for your home?
Start a whole-of-market quote. If your address is tricky, keep your MPRN (gas) and MPAN (electricity) handy to help suppliers match the right supply points.
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