How to Find Your Business MPAN & MPRN Numbers: Complete UK Guide 2025

When switching business energy suppliers in the UK, you'll need to provide your MPAN (for electricity) or MPRN (for gas) number. These unique reference numbers identify your specific meter connection, ensuring your new supplier can seamlessly take over supply without interruption. This comprehensive guide explains exactly what these numbers are, where to find them, and why they're essential for switching to better energy deals.

What is an MPAN Number?

MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration Number, and it's the unique identifier for your business electricity supply point. Think of it as your electricity meter's postal address—it tells energy suppliers and network operators exactly where your electricity is delivered.

Every business electricity meter in the UK has its own MPAN, which remains constant regardless of which supplier you choose. Even if you switch from British Gas to E.ON or Yorkshire Gas & Power, your MPAN stays the same because it identifies the physical connection point, not the commercial relationship.

MPAN Number Format and Structure

A full MPAN consists of 21 digits, though you'll often see it presented in two formats. The complete MPAN includes:

• Profile Class (2 digits): Indicates your meter type and consumption pattern
• Meter Timeswitch Code (3 digits): Defines your tariff structure
• Line Loss Factor Class (3 digits): Accounts for energy lost in transmission
• Core MPAN (13 digits): The actual unique identifier for your supply point

When switching suppliers or getting quotes, you typically only need the 13-digit core MPAN (sometimes called the "top line" number). This shorter format is what most energy brokers and suppliers request, as it contains all the essential information needed to identify your meter.

The core MPAN format looks like this: SS AAAA BBBB BBBB C, where SS represents the distribution area code and the remaining digits uniquely identify your specific connection. For businesses with multiple meters or sites, each meter will have its own distinct MPAN.

What is an MPRN Number?

MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number (sometimes called Meter Point Registration Number), and it serves the same purpose for your business gas supply as the MPAN does for electricity. This unique identifier tells gas suppliers and network operators exactly where your gas is delivered.

Like MPANs, your MPRN remains constant regardless of which gas supplier you use. Whether you're supplied by British Gas, E.ON, Yorkshire Gas & Power, or any other provider, the MPRN stays the same because it identifies your physical gas connection point.

MPRN Number Format

An MPRN is simpler than an MPAN, consisting of between 6 and 10 digits depending on your location and when your meter was installed. Most modern business gas meters have 10-digit MPRNs, though older installations may have shorter numbers.

The MPRN format varies by region but typically looks like this: AAAA BBBB CC. Unlike electricity MPANs, there's less standardization in MPRN presentation, so you might see it written as one continuous number or separated into groups. When providing your MPRN for switching, ensure you include all digits without spaces unless specifically instructed otherwise by your new supplier.

Where to Find Your Business MPAN Number

Finding your business MPAN is straightforward if you know where to look. Here are the most reliable methods for locating this essential number:

1Check Your Electricity Bill

Your business electricity bill is the easiest place to find your MPAN. All UK electricity suppliers must include this information on bills, though its location varies by supplier.

Common locations on bills:

• Top of the first page, often labeled "Supply Number" or "MPAN"
• In an account details section or summary box
• On the reverse side near technical supply information
• Within meter reading sections or consumption data

If you're currently with British Gas, your MPAN typically appears on the first page of your bill under "Supply Details." E.ON customers will find it in the "Your Supply" section, while Yorkshire Gas & Power displays it prominently near the top of their billing documents.

Can't find your latest bill? Most business energy suppliers provide online account access where you can view current and historical bills. Simply log into your supplier's customer portal and download a recent statement.

2Contact Your Current Supplier

If you don't have a recent bill or can't locate your MPAN on it, contact your current electricity supplier directly. Their customer service team can provide your MPAN immediately after verifying your identity.

Have your business name, account number, and billing address ready when calling. Most suppliers can provide this information within minutes during a phone call, or they'll email it to your registered email address if you prefer written confirmation.

3Check Your Meter

Some business electricity meters display the MPAN on a label attached to or near the meter itself. This is more common with newer smart meters but may also appear on traditional meters.

Look for a sticker or plate on the meter box showing technical information. The MPAN might be labeled as "MPAN," "Supply Number," or "S Number." If you have multiple meters at your premises, ensure you record the MPAN for each one, as multi-meter sites require all MPANs when switching suppliers.

4Use Your Supplier's Online Account

Most UK business energy suppliers provide online account management portals where you can access your MPAN 24/7. After logging in, navigate to your account details or supply information section.

British Gas Business customers can find their MPAN under "Account Overview," while E.ON Business users should check the "Supply Details" tab. Yorkshire Gas & Power displays MPANs in their "Meter Information" section.

If you've forgotten your login credentials, most suppliers offer quick password reset options via email. Alternatively, energy brokers like Ecosave can help retrieve your information if you're planning to switch suppliers anyway.

Where to Find Your Business MPRN Number

Locating your business MPRN follows similar methods to finding your MPAN, with slight variations in where suppliers display this information:

1Check Your Gas Bill

Your business gas bill is the most reliable source for your MPRN. UK gas suppliers must include this reference number on all business bills.

Common bill locations:

• First page header, labeled "MPRN" or "Meter Point Reference"
• Supply details or account summary section
• Near your meter serial number and reading information
• In the small print or technical details section

For British Gas customers, the MPRN appears alongside your meter serial number in the supply details. E.ON displays it prominently on page one, while Yorkshire Gas & Power includes it in their meter information box.

2Contact Your Gas Supplier

If you can't locate your MPRN on recent bills, contact your current gas supplier for immediate assistance. Their customer service team can look up your MPRN using your account number or business address.

Have your business details and recent gas bill (if available) ready to verify your identity. Most suppliers provide this information instantly over the phone or via secure email.

3Check Near Your Gas Meter

Many business gas meters have a reference label attached showing the MPRN alongside the meter serial number. This label might be on the meter itself, the meter box, or on a nearby wall if the meter is external.

The MPRN label often includes other technical information like your meter serial number, installation date, and network operator details. If your business has multiple gas meters, document the MPRN for each one, as switching suppliers requires all reference numbers.

4Access Your Online Account

Most business gas suppliers display your MPRN in their online customer portals. Log in to your account and navigate to supply details, meter information, or account overview sections.

British Gas customers find their MPRN under "Supply Points," E.ON lists it in "Meter Details," and Yorkshire Gas & Power shows it in the main account dashboard.

Why You Need Your MPAN and MPRN When Switching

Understanding why these numbers are essential helps appreciate their importance in the business energy switching process:

Accurate Supply Identification

Your MPAN and MPRN ensure your new supplier takes over the correct meter. Without these unique identifiers, there's risk of confusion, especially for businesses in buildings with multiple tenants or those with several meters.

Imagine a business park with 20 companies—each has their own gas meter and electricity supply. Using just addresses would create chaos, but MPANs and MPRNs eliminate any ambiguity, ensuring your new contract is assigned to your specific meters.

Seamless Switching Process

When you provide your MPAN or MPRN to a new supplier or broker, they use these numbers to coordinate with your current supplier and the relevant network operator. This behind-the-scenes communication ensures your switch happens smoothly without supply interruption.

The reference numbers allow your new supplier to register their interest in taking over your supply, notify your current supplier of the switch, and arrange for billing to transfer on the agreed date. Without correct MPAN or MPRN details, this process can't begin, delaying your switch and potentially causing you to remain on expensive deemed rates.

Accurate Quote Generation

Energy brokers and suppliers use your MPAN or MPRN to access your historical consumption data. This information allows them to generate accurate quotes based on your actual usage patterns rather than estimates.

When you approach Ecosave for a business energy quote, providing your reference numbers enables them to retrieve 12 months of consumption history from national databases. This data reveals your usage patterns, peak demands, and seasonal variations, allowing suppliers to quote precisely rather than using industry averages that might not reflect your actual needs.

Identifying Meter Type and Profile

Your MPAN contains encoded information about your meter type and consumption profile. This helps suppliers determine which tariffs you're eligible for and whether special arrangements apply to your supply.

For example, businesses with half-hourly meters have different tariff options than those with standard meters. Suppliers can identify this instantly from your MPAN, ensuring you receive appropriate quotes. Similarly, if you have complex metering arrangements or specific network agreements, these are associated with your reference numbers, preventing misquoting and contract issues.

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

While finding your MPAN or MPRN is usually straightforward, some businesses encounter challenges. Here's how to overcome common obstacles:

Multiple Meters and Supplies

Businesses with multiple meters need to identify all MPANs and MPRNs. Missing even one can delay switching or result in some meters remaining with your old supplier at expensive rates.

Solution: Check all your energy bills carefully—multi-meter businesses typically receive either separate bills for each meter or one bill listing all supply points. If you're unsure how many meters you have, contact your current supplier or ask Ecosave to conduct a site survey identifying all supply points.

Recently Moved Premises

If you've recently moved into business premises, you might not have received bills yet, making it difficult to locate reference numbers.

Solution: Check your meter directly for labels showing MPAN or MPRN. Alternatively, contact the previous supplier (if known) or ask your landlord for this information. As a last resort, you can contact your local distribution network operator using your full address—they maintain records of all supply points and can provide your reference numbers. Energy brokers like Ecosave can also help navigate this process.

Confusing Multiple Numbers on Bills

Energy bills contain various numbers—account numbers, meter serial numbers, reference numbers, and more. It's easy to confuse these if you're not sure what you're looking for.

Solution: Look specifically for labels saying "MPAN," "Meter Point Administration Number," "MPRN," or "Meter Point Reference Number." MPANs are always 13 or 21 digits, while MPRNs are 6-10 digits. If still unsure, contact Ecosave—they can review your bill and identify the correct numbers instantly.

Merged or Split Meters

Some businesses have had meters merged or split during renovations or changes in premises usage. This can create confusion about current reference numbers.

Solution: Contact your current supplier to confirm how many active supply points you have and obtain current MPANs/MPRNs. If meters were recently changed, your supplier will have updated records. For complex situations involving meter alterations, working with experienced brokers ensures all technical details are handled correctly.

The Business Energy Switching Process Explained

Now that you understand MPAN and MPRN numbers, let's walk through exactly how they're used in the business energy switching process:

Step 1: Information Gathering

When you're ready to switch, you'll need to provide your MPAN/MPRN along with recent consumption information to brokers or suppliers. This initial data gathering allows them to search the market for suitable contracts.

Ecosave's process is streamlined—simply provide your reference numbers and recent bills (or just the numbers if you know your consumption). Their team then accesses national databases to pull your complete usage history, ensuring quotes are based on accurate data rather than estimates.

Step 2: Market Comparison and Quote Generation

Using your MPAN or MPRN, brokers retrieve your consumption profile and meter details from industry databases. This information includes your annual usage, peak demands, meter type, and current tariff structure.

Brokers like Ecosave then approach multiple suppliers—including British Gas, E.ON, Yorkshire Gas & Power, and many others—requesting competitive quotes based on your specific consumption pattern. This comprehensive comparison ensures you see genuine market-leading rates rather than a limited selection.

Step 3: Supplier Selection and Contract Signing

After reviewing quotes from Ecosave or your chosen broker, you select your preferred supplier and contract terms. The broker then submits your signed contract along with your MPAN/MPRN to initiate the switching process.

Your reference numbers are crucial at this stage—they tell your new supplier exactly which meters they're taking over and allow them to register their interest in your supply with the relevant network operator.

Step 4: Switch Coordination

Behind the scenes, your new supplier uses your MPAN or MPRN to notify your current supplier of the switch, coordinate with network operators, and arrange for registration updates in national databases.

This process typically takes 14-21 days for electricity and 15-28 days for gas, though Ecosave can sometimes expedite switches when urgent. Throughout this period, your energy supply continues uninterrupted—the physical delivery through pipes and wires never stops, only the billing relationship changes.

Step 5: Switch Completion

On your switch date, provide a meter reading to both your old and new supplier. Your MPAN and MPRN ensure these readings are correctly assigned to your meters, preventing billing disputes.

Your old supplier will send a final bill covering consumption up to the switch date, while your new supplier begins billing from that point forward. Good brokers like Ecosave monitor this transition, ensuring both suppliers process the switch correctly and addressing any discrepancies immediately.

MPAN and MPRN Security Considerations

While your MPAN and MPRN aren't as sensitive as bank details, you should still treat them with reasonable care to prevent unauthorized switching or fraudulent activity.

Preventing Unauthorized Switching

In rare cases, rogue traders have used business reference numbers to switch supplies without proper authorization. While industry safeguards largely prevent this, remaining vigilant protects your interests.

Best practices:

• Only provide your MPAN/MPRN to reputable brokers and suppliers you've approached directly
• Verify any unexpected switch notifications immediately by contacting your current supplier
• Work with established brokers like Ecosave who follow industry best practices and never initiate switches without explicit authorization
• Keep records of any switching communications for future reference

Legitimate Use of Your Reference Numbers

Understanding when sharing your MPAN or MPRN is appropriate helps you distinguish legitimate requests from potential issues:

Appropriate situations:

• Requesting quotes from energy brokers like Ecosave
• Applying for supply with new providers like British Gas, E.ON, or Yorkshire Gas & Power
• Resolving billing queries with your current supplier
• Arranging meter installations or upgrades with network operators

Be cautious if:

• Unsolicited callers request your reference numbers without clear context
• You're pressured to provide information or make immediate decisions
• Contact comes from unknown companies without verifiable credentials

Reputable brokers like Ecosave will clearly explain why they need your MPAN or MPRN and never pressure you to make rushed decisions. They understand these numbers are essential for providing accurate quotes but respect your right to verify their credentials before proceeding.

Special Circumstances and Complex Situations

Some businesses face unique challenges when identifying or using their MPAN and MPRN numbers:

New Build Properties

Newly constructed business premises might not yet have assigned MPANs or MPRNs if meters haven't been installed or registered. This creates challenges for arranging initial supply.

Solution: Work with your developer or electrical contractor to coordinate meter installation with your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Once meters are installed, DNOs assign reference numbers, allowing you to contract with suppliers. Ecosave's new connections team specializes in helping businesses navigate this process, coordinating with DNOs and securing competitive supply contracts from day one.

Landlord-Managed Supplies

Some business tenants have energy supplies managed by landlords through service charges, making direct supplier relationships impossible. However, understanding whether you have your own meters and reference numbers is still valuable.

Action steps: Check your lease agreement to determine if energy is included in service charges or if you're responsible for direct supply. If you have your own meters, locate your MPAN/MPRN even if currently billed through the landlord—this information becomes essential if you negotiate direct supply arrangements or if lease terms change. Ecosave can review your situation and advise whether direct contracting would save money versus landlord-managed supply.

Shared Supplies and Apportioned Billing

Businesses sharing buildings sometimes have apportioned energy costs based on a single meter with submeter arrangements. This creates complexity for switching suppliers.

Understanding your options: If your consumption is measured by a submeter rather than an official utility meter with its own MPAN/MPRN, you can't independently switch suppliers for that supply. However, you might have options to install dedicated meters providing independent control over your energy contracts. Ecosave's technical team can assess your site and determine whether installing independent metering would deliver sufficient savings to justify the investment.

Temporary Supplies and Construction Sites

Construction sites and temporary business operations use temporary supplies with their own reference numbers. These differ from permanent installations but still require MPANs/MPRNs for supplier contracts.

Key considerations: Temporary supply reference numbers work identically to permanent ones for switching purposes. However, contract terms for temporary supplies often differ, and not all suppliers offer competitive temporary supply contracts. Ecosave works with specialist suppliers serving temporary and construction supplies, ensuring you access appropriate contracts even for short-term needs.

Understanding Your Energy Consumption Data

Your MPAN and MPRN unlock access to valuable consumption data that helps optimize your energy management strategy:

Half-Hourly Data for Larger Users

Businesses with half-hourly meters (typically those using over 100,000 kWh annually for electricity) have detailed consumption data recorded every 30 minutes. This granular information reveals exactly when and how you use energy.

Using your MPAN, Ecosave can retrieve and analyze this data, identifying opportunities for demand reduction, time-of-use tariff optimization, and consumption pattern improvements. Many businesses discover significant savings potential simply by understanding their actual usage patterns rather than relying on assumptions.

Annual Consumption Profiles

Even businesses with standard meters have annual consumption profiles accessible via their MPAN or MPRN. This 12-month history shows your total usage, seasonal variations, and long-term trends.

When you provide your reference numbers to Ecosave, they analyze this data to recommend optimal contract lengths, identify whether fixed or flexible tariffs suit your patterns, and spot unusual consumption that might indicate inefficiency or meter issues.

Benchmarking Against Industry Standards

With your consumption data and business information, energy consultants can benchmark your usage against industry standards for your sector. This reveals whether you're using more or less energy than comparable businesses.

If your consumption significantly exceeds sector averages, Ecosave's energy efficiency specialists can recommend improvements targeting the greatest savings opportunities. Often, the combination of better supplier contracts and modest efficiency improvements delivers dramatic cost reductions.

After You Switch: Ongoing Management

Your MPAN and MPRN remain important even after switching suppliers, playing a role in ongoing energy management:

Future Switching Made Easier

Business energy contracts typically run 12-36 months, meaning you'll face renewal decisions regularly. Having your MPAN and MPRN readily accessible makes future comparisons and switches much faster.

Smart businesses maintain an energy management file containing these reference numbers, current contract details, and historical consumption data. When renewal time approaches, providing this information to Ecosave enables instant quote generation without delays searching for documentation.

Billing Verification and Dispute Resolution

If billing issues arise, your MPAN or MPRN helps you quickly verify that bills relate to your specific meters. This is particularly important for multi-site businesses where billing errors sometimes assign consumption to wrong locations.

When disputing incorrect charges, reference your MPAN/MPRN when communicating with suppliers. This ensures they investigate the correct supply point and access accurate consumption records for resolution.

Meter Upgrades and Installation Changes

If you upgrade to smart meters or install additional meters, your existing MPAN/MPRN relationships help coordinate these changes. Your current reference numbers remain valid unless you're installing completely new supply points.

Ecosave can coordinate meter upgrades alongside supplier switching, ensuring any equipment changes align with your new contract terms and don't delay your switch date.

Industry Changes and Future Developments

The UK energy market continues evolving, with changes affecting how MPANs and MPRNs are used:

Smart Meter Rollout Impact

The national smart meter rollout provides automatic meter reading and more detailed consumption data. While smart meters use the same MPAN/MPRN system, they enable faster switching and more accurate billing.

As smart meter adoption increases, suppliers and brokers like Ecosave can access real-time consumption data (with your permission), enabling even more precise quote generation and identifying savings opportunities that traditional meters miss.

Market Reform and Faster Switching

Ofgem continues implementing reforms aimed at making business energy switching faster and more reliable. These changes don't affect your MPAN or MPRN numbers themselves but improve how they're used in switching processes.

Future developments may enable same-day switching for some business supplies, with your reference numbers serving as the constant identifiers enabling rapid coordination between suppliers and network operators. Ecosave stays ahead of these changes, ensuring you benefit from faster, more efficient switching as reforms roll out.

Getting Expert Help with MPAN and MPRN Issues

While most businesses can locate their reference numbers independently, professional assistance saves time and prevents costly mistakes:

When to Use Broker Services

Energy brokers like Ecosave provide more than just price comparison—they handle all technical aspects of switching including locating reference numbers, retrieving consumption data, and coordinating with suppliers.

This comprehensive service particularly benefits:

• Businesses with limited time for energy management
• Companies with multiple sites or complex metering
• Organizations facing urgent contract renewals
• Businesses new to the UK energy market
• Companies experiencing billing or supplier issues

Ecosave's full-service approach means you simply provide business details and authorize them to act on your behalf—they handle everything else, from locating MPANs/MPRNs to coordinating switch completion.

Cost vs. Value Considerations

Many businesses hesitate to use brokers, assuming they're expensive. In reality, quality brokers like Ecosave charge no upfront fees—they receive commission from suppliers after securing your contract.

This commission is built into supplier pricing whether you use a broker or not, meaning you pay the same rates but receive professional service and market-wide comparison when working with brokers. For businesses comparing quotes independently, the time invested often exceeds what the broker's expertise would have delivered in additional savings.

Building Long-Term Energy Management Partnerships

The best broker relationships extend beyond single switches to ongoing energy management partnerships. Ecosave maintains client relationships throughout contract terms, providing renewal reminders, market updates, and strategic advice.

When your broker already has your MPAN/MPRN and consumption history on file, future renewals become effortless—they contact you with competitive options well before your contract expires, ensuring you never accidentally roll onto expensive deemed rates.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Business Energy

Understanding and locating your MPAN and MPRN numbers represents the first step toward taking control of your business energy costs. These simple reference numbers unlock access to competitive pricing, enable seamless supplier switching, and provide the foundation for effective energy management.

Don't wait until your contract expires to locate these numbers—take five minutes now to find and securely record your MPAN and MPRN. This simple preparation enables you to act quickly when market conditions favor switching or when your renewal date approaches.

For businesses ready to move beyond basic switching to comprehensive energy management, Ecosave's expert team combines market-leading supplier access with strategic advice, consumption analysis, and efficiency recommendations. Whether you're switching for the first time or managing dozens of meters across multiple sites, their tailored approach delivers measurable results.

The UK business energy market offers significant savings opportunities for informed buyers. Your MPAN and MPRN are the keys that unlock these opportunities—use them wisely, protect them appropriately, and leverage them to secure the competitive rates your business deserves.