Electricity Supply Numbers: Understanding The Unique Identifier

what does electricity supply number look like

If you're moving home or switching energy suppliers, you'll need your electricity supply number, also known as an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) or S number. This unique reference number identifies your property's electricity supply and is usually a 21-digit number with the letter 'S' at the beginning. It's important to distinguish this number from other numbers on your bill, such as your account or customer reference number. While you won't find your MPAN on your physical meter, you can locate it on your electricity bill or by contacting your regional electricity supplier.

Characteristics Values
Name Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN)
Other Names Supply Number, S-Number
Length 21 digits
Format Begins with the letter 'S'
Where to Find Bottom of the second page of the electricity bill, in a box marked 'Supply Number'
Core Final 13 digits, which is the unique identifier
Top Line Data Information about the characteristics of the supply
First Two Digits Profile Class
Line Loss Factor Class (LLFC) Alphanumeric code used to identify the related Distribution Use of System (DUoS) charges for the MPAN
Meter Serial Number (MSN) Combination of letters and numbers that identify the actual meter
Meter Serial Number Format On electricity meters, it tends to begin with the letter 'F'

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What is a Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN)

A Meter Point Administration Number, also known as MPAN, Supply Number or S-Number, is a unique 13-digit reference number used in Great Britain to identify electricity supply points for individual domestic residences. It is usually a 21-digit number with the letter 'S' at the beginning and is displayed in a grid. The system was introduced in 1998 to aid the creation of a competitive environment for electricity companies, allowing consumers to switch suppliers easily and simplifying administration.

Although the name suggests that an MPAN refers to a particular meter, an MPAN can have several meters associated with it, or none at all in the case of an unmetered supply. A supply receiving power from the network operator (DNO) has an import MPAN, while generation and microgeneration projects feeding back into the DNO network are given export MPANs.

The MPAN can be found on energy bills, usually in a box marked 'Supply Number' or under the section 'Details of Charges'. It is important to note that the MPAN will not be found on the physical meter or meter box, but the meter serial number (MSN) can be found on the meter box. When contacting an energy supplier or submitting a meter reading, usually only the last 12 or 13 digits of the MPAN are needed.

If you are moving into a new home or switching energy suppliers, you will need your MPAN so that your new supplier knows they are taking over your specific energy supply. The registration process with a new electricity supplier can take at least 28 days, so it is important to get in touch as soon as possible.

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How to find your MPAN

An MPAN, or Meter Point Administration Number, is a unique number that identifies your property's electricity supply. It is also sometimes referred to as a 'supply number' or 'S number'. If you have both an electricity and gas supply, you will have two unique energy meter numbers: the MPAN for your electricity and the MPRN for your gas.

Your MPAN is usually a 21-digit number that starts with the letter 'S'. It is displayed in a grid and can be found on the second page of your electricity bill, usually in a box marked 'Supply Number'. An example of an MPAN is: S 01 801 101 22 6130 5588 165. This will often be printed in two rows, with the bottom row being the main number you need.

If you are moving into a new home or switching energy suppliers, you will need your MPAN so that your new supplier knows they are taking over the correct supply. You will also need to give your supplier the MPAN of your old property if you are moving house.

If you do not have an electricity bill or have just moved into a new home and do not have a bill, you can contact your supplier directly to find out what your MPAN is. If you do not know who supplies energy to your home, you can call the Local Distribution Centre (LDC) for your region. You can also use the Meter Point Administration Service's online tool, 'Find My Supplier', or call them to find out your MPAN. It is important to note that your MPAN will remain the same if you switch from a regular meter to a smart meter.

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What is a Meter Serial Number (MSN)

A Meter Serial Number (MSN), or 'meter ID', is an alphanumeric reference used in Great Britain to identify an electricity meter. Although they are intended to be unique, duplicate serial numbers do exist.

MSNs are a combination of letters and numbers and are usually printed on your meter box. On standard electricity meters, the MSN is typically printed above or below the barcode and is between nine and twelve digits long, beginning with the letter 'F'. On smart meters, the MSN can be found on the front of the meter box, next to the barcode, and will start with either 14P or 15P.

The first letter of the MSN indicates the meter's manufacturer, the first two digits indicate the year the meter was calibrated and certified, and the second letter (or pair of letters) indicates the company that purchased the meter. The five or six-digit sequence that follows is a serial batch number. There may be a space separating the groups of numbers and letters.

It is important to note that the MSN is different from the Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) or Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN). The MPAN is used to identify individual electricity supply points and is usually a 21-digit number with the letter 'S' at the beginning. The MPRN is used to identify individual gas supply points and does not contain any letters.

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How to find your MSN

An electricity supply number is also known as a Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN). It is a unique identifier for your property's electricity supply. If you are moving house or switching energy suppliers, you will need to know your MPAN and your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas.

Your MPAN can be found on your electricity or dual fuel bill, usually in a box marked 'Supply Number'. It is 21 digits long and begins with an 'S'. You will only need the last 12 or 13 digits. Here is an example of what an MPAN looks like: S 01 801 101 22 6130 5588 165. This will often be printed in two rows, with the bottom row being the main number you need.

If you do not have a bill to hand, you can contact your energy supplier directly to find out what your MPAN is. If you do not know who your supplier is, you can call the Local Distribution Centre (LDC) for your region, or enter your postcode on the energy networks website to find out.

Now, the Meter Serial Number (MSN) is a little different. This is a combination of letters and numbers that acts as an ID for your meter box. On standard electricity meters, the MSN is usually printed above or below the barcode and is between nine and 12 digits long, starting with the letter 'F'. On gas meters, the MSN usually starts with 'L' and ends with 'M'. On smart meters, the MSN can be found on the front of the meter box, next to the barcode. On an electricity smart meter, the MSN will start with either 14P or 15P, and on a gas smart meter, it starts with G4P.

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What is a Line Loss Factor Class (LLFC)

An electricity meter's supply number is also known as its Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) or 'S' number. It is a unique identifier for your property's electricity supply. It is usually a 21-digit number beginning with the letter 'S' and is displayed in a grid. You can find your MPAN on your electricity bill, usually under the ''Details of Charges' or 'Supply Number' section.

Now, let's discuss Line Loss Factor Classes (LLFCs).

Line Loss Factor Classes (LLFCs) are groups of Metering Systems registered in the Supplier Meter Registration Service (SMRS) within the SVA sector of the electricity industry. Each LLFC is assigned a specific tariff for Distribution Use of System (DUoS) charges. All Metering Systems within an LLFC will share the same Line Loss Factor (LLF) values.

Line Loss Factors (LLFs) are multipliers used to scale energy consumption or generation to account for losses on the UK's Distribution Networks. As energy travels from the production point to the end-user, some energy is lost. LLFs are applied in Central Volume Allocation and Supplier Volume Allocation to allocate these losses. They are calculated by measuring the square of delivered power over short intervals, averaging these values over a long period, and then dividing by the square of the peak power during the same extended period.

The LLF values can vary depending on the time of year, and new LLFCs being registered must submit their LLF values annually.

Frequently asked questions

An electricity supply number is a unique identifier for your property's electricity supply. It is also known as an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) or S-Number.

An electricity supply number is typically a 21-digit reference, beginning with the letter 'S'. For example, S 01 801 101 22 6130 5588 165.

You can find your electricity supply number on your electricity bill, usually in a box marked 'Supply Number' or Details of Charges'. It is often located at the bottom of the first page or on the reverse side of the bill.

Yes, having your electricity supply number will make the process of switching suppliers smoother. It is important to note that your electricity supply number will remain the same even if you change your meter or supplier.

MPAN refers to your electricity supply number, while MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number and is associated with your gas supply.

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