Understanding Your Electricity Supply Number: What Does It Mean?

what does electricity supply number mean

An electricity supply number, also known as an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number), is a unique identifier for your electricity supply. It is a 21-digit number that typically starts with an 'S' and can be found on your electricity bill or meter. This number helps energy companies identify and manage the electricity going into your home and is tied to your property rather than your energy supplier.

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MPAN and MPRN numbers

An MPAN, or Meter Point Administration Number, is the unique identity reference number for your electricity meter. It is sometimes referred to as an 'S number', 'M number', or 'Supply Number'. It is a 21-digit code that typically starts with an 'S' and is unique to your premises. The MPAN is used to identify your property's electricity supply and remains the same even if you switch energy suppliers.

The MPAN can usually be found on your electricity or dual fuel bill, often in a box marked 'Supply Number'. It may be printed in two rows, with the bottom row being the main number required. The number can also be found on your electricity meter.

If you are unable to locate the MPAN on your bill or meter, you can try contacting your energy supplier, who can provide it using your account details. You can also use online platforms such as "Find My Supplier", where you can enter your postcode and address to retrieve your MPAN. Additionally, you can contact your local distribution network operator (DNO) or Local Distribution Centre (LDC) to obtain the information.

An MPRN, or Meter Point Reference Number, is the equivalent of an MPAN for domestic and business gas users. It is also known as an 'M number' and is a unique reference number for your gas supply. The MPRN is typically made up of six to ten digits and can sometimes be found on your gas meter or your utility bill. Similar to the MPAN, the MPRN remains the same if you switch energy suppliers.

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Where to find your electricity supply number

The unique supply number for your electricity meter is also known as its Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) or 'S' number. It is sometimes referred to as an "M" number for businesses. It is a 21-digit reference number that helps identify your property's electricity supply and ensures that you are billed correctly for your usage.

If you are unsure what your MPAN is, you can find it on your electricity or dual fuel bill, usually in a box marked "Supply Number" on the bottom of the second page. It begins with an "S" and you'll only need the last 12 or 13 digits. It will often be printed in two rows, with the bottom row being the main number you'll need.

If you don't have a bill to hand, you can get your electricity supply number by contacting your regional electricity supplier. If you don't know who your supplier is, you can call your Local Distribution Centre (LDC) or Local Network Operator.

It's important to note that the MPAN won't be printed on your electricity meter box. If you are moving house or switching energy suppliers, you'll need to provide the MPAN of your old property to your new supplier.

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What the digits of your electricity supply number mean

An MPAN, or Meter Point Administration Number, is the unique identity reference number for your electricity meter. It is often referred to as an 'S number' or 'Supply Number' and is a 21-digit code that typically starts with an 'S'. This number is unique to your premises and doesn't change even if you switch energy suppliers.

The first two digits of the MPAN are the Profile Identifier, which indicates the type of electricity supply you have. The next two numbers are the Distribution ID, which is used to identify the regional distribution company for your electricity supply.

The long, eight-digit number in the middle is the Meter Point ID, which is unique within your distribution area and is used to identify the metering point. This is followed by a three-digit number, the Check Digit, which is calculated from the Distribution ID and Meter Point ID numbers.

Finally, the last two digits are the Peak Load Factor, which refers to the ratio of electricity used in a given period, divided by the total possible kilowatt-hours that could have been used in the same period at the peak kW level your business can use. It essentially indicates how your business consumes electricity.

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Electricity network operators

In the UK, electricity network operators are distinct from energy suppliers. The network operator is responsible for the physical infrastructure that delivers electricity to your premises, while the energy supplier is the company that you pay for your electricity usage.

Every property has a unique MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) or 'S' number, which is like a special address for the electricity supply to that property. This number is needed by the electricity network operator to identify and manage the electricity going into the property. The MPAN is a 21-digit number that can be found on the electricity bill or meter. It typically starts with an 'S' for 'Supply Number'. The first two digits of the MPAN are the Distribution ID, which identifies the regional distribution company for the electricity supply. The next eight digits are the Meter Point ID, which is unique within the distribution area and identifies the metering point. The final three digits are the Check Digit, calculated from the Distribution ID and Meter Point ID.

If you are unsure who your electricity supplier is, you can contact your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to find out. In England, Scotland, or Wales, you can call 105 for free to be connected to your DNO. If you live in Northern Ireland, you can call 03457 643643. You can also enter your postcode on the DNO website to find out this information.

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Electricity supply number and switching energy suppliers

An electricity supply number, also known as an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) or 'S' number, is a unique identifier for your electricity meter. It is like a special code or address for your electricity supply, helping energy companies keep track of your usage and billing. This number is usually 21 digits long and starts with an 'S' for 'Supply Number'. You can find it on your electricity meter or bill, typically at the bottom of the first page or the reverse side. It is important to distinguish it from other numbers on your bill, such as your account number or customer reference number.

The MPAN is tied to your property and not your energy supplier. Therefore, if you switch energy suppliers, your MPAN will remain the same. This consistency ensures a seamless transition when changing suppliers, as there is no need for new meter installations or changes to the existing infrastructure. Your distribution network operator (DNO) or local network operator can help you identify your MPAN if you are unsure.

Your electricity bill may also contain a 'Distributor ID' or 'Distribution ID' number, which is used to identify the regional distribution company for your electricity supply. This is different from your MPAN and is related to your electricity network operator, the entity responsible for connecting your home to electricity and maintaining the wires that bring electricity to your premises.

Additionally, there is a separate identifier for your gas supply, known as the MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) or 'M' number. This number is generally six to ten digits long and can be found on your utility bill or gas meter. Like the MPAN, the MPRN remains the same even if you switch gas suppliers.

Overall, understanding your electricity supply number and related identifiers is essential for managing your energy supply and switching energy suppliers. It ensures accurate billing, tracking, and a seamless transition when changing energy providers.

Frequently asked questions

An electricity supply number is a unique identifier for your electricity supply. It is also known as an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) and is a 21-digit number that starts with an 'S'.

You can find your electricity supply number on your electricity meter or bill. It is usually located at the bottom of the first page or on the reverse side of your bill.

The electricity supply number helps energy companies keep track of your electricity usage and ensures that you are billed correctly.

No, your electricity supply number will remain the same even if you switch energy suppliers. It is tied to your property and not your energy supplier.

The electricity supply number, or MPAN, is a unique identifier for your electricity supply. The meter serial number (MSN) is a different number that identifies your specific meter.

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