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Understanding MPAN Numbers: A Guide for Businesses

Meter Point Administration Number is key to understanding your electricity usage. If you’ve ever wondered what an MPAN number is, you’re not alone. It’s essential for dealing with energy suppliers or managing your electricity account.

What is an MPAN?

The Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) is a unique identifier for electricity supply points. Often referred to as a ‘Supply Number’ or ‘S-Number,’ the MPAN is crucial for managing and identifying individual electricity supplies.

Business energy suppliers, network operators, and other entities involved in electricity distribution use it.

Why is the MPAN Important?

The MPAN plays a vital role in the energy market. It ensures that electricity supplies are correctly recorded and billed. For businesses, accurate MPAN information is essential for:

Unique Identifier: The MPAN provides a unique identifier for your commercial property’s electricity connection to the grid.
Switching Suppliers: When switching business electricity suppliers, the MPAN ensures the correct supply point is transferred.
Billing and Metering: Accurate billing relies on the correct MPAN, ensuring businesses are charged for electricity usage.
Managing Multiple Sites: MPANs help businesses with multiple locations track and manage energy usage across different sites.

Understanding the structure of an MPAN

The MPAN contains six separate components that are used to identify specific attributes of a business electricity connection.

Mpan

MPAN top line data

The eight-digit top line of the MPAN is made up of three different identifiers:

Profile class – The first two digits on the top line, identify the type of electricity meter as follows:
- 00 – Business electricity connection with a half-hourly meter
- 01 – Domestic single rate
- 02 – Domestic multi-rate
- 03 – Single rate business electricity meter
- 04 – Multi rate business electricity meter
- 05 – 08 – Business electricity connection with a half-hourly meter.
Meter Time Switch code – The next three digits identify the different time periods the electricity meter measures.
Line loss factor – The final three digits on the top line identify the local electricity distribution infrastructure and are used to calculate distribution charges.

MPAN bottom line data

The thirteen-digit bottom line of the MPAN is broken into the following three parts:

Distributor ID – The first two digits on the bottom line identify the distribution network operator in your area.
Unique identifier – The next eight digits on the bottom line are a unique identifier assigned to your electricity connection.
Check digit – The final three digits of the bottom line are a calculation that verifies the other identifiers in the MPAN.

Where to find your business’s MPAN

Finding your MPAN is straightforward. Here are the common places you can locate it:

Electricity Bill: Your MPAN is typically listed on your business electricity bill. Look for a section labelled ‘Supply Number’ or ‘MPAN.’
Metering Equipment: The MPAN can sometimes be found on a label attached to your electricity meter.
Contact Your Supplier: If you can’t find your MPAN on your bill or meter, your electricity supplier can provide it. Contact their customer service with your account details.
Local Network Operator: Your regional electricity distribution company can also help locate your MPAN. They maintain the database of all MPANs within their area.

Why you may need to know your MPAN

Understanding and managing your MPAN is essential for any business to maintain accurate energy records, ensure correct billing, and streamline processes such as switching suppliers or managing multiple sites.

By knowing where to find your MPAN and understanding its structure, you can better manage your electricity supply and make informed decisions about your energy usage.

Switching Suppliers: Ensure a smooth transition by providing the correct MPAN.
Resolving Billing Issues: Verify that you are billed for the correct supply point.
New Connections: The MPAN is necessary for installation and activation when setting up a new business electricity connection.

If you have any questions about your MPAN or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact your business energy supplier or local network operator.