If you’ve ever looked at a business energy bill, you might have spotted a long number labelled MPAN or MPRN.

They’re easy to ignore. But they’re actually important, especially if you’re switching suppliers or sorting out a new contract.

The good news is they’re simple once you know what they mean.

What's an MPAN number?

MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration Number.

It’s a unique number used to identify your electricity supply. Not your meter itself, but the connection between your property and the electricity network.

Every business premises with electricity will have its own MPAN.

Suppliers use this number to make sure they’re supplying the right property and billing the correct account. It also helps when switching providers, as it avoids any confusion about which site is being transferred.

What is an MPRN number?

MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number.

It does the same job as an MPAN, but for gas instead of electricity.

So if your business uses gas, you’ll have an MPRN linked to your property. Like the MPAN, it identifies your supply point rather than the meter itself.

Why these numbers matter

You might not need your MPAN or MPRN every day, but they become important in a few situations.

Switching energy suppliers: Suppliers use these numbers to find your property and make sure the switch happens smoothly.

Setting up a new contract: If you’re moving into a new premises or arranging energy for the first time, you’ll often be asked for these details.

Fixing billing issues: If there’s ever confusion about your account or supply, these numbers help identify the exact connection point.

In short, they help keep everything accurate and avoid mix-ups.

Where to find your MPAN or MPRN

The easiest place to find both numbers is on your energy bill.

MPAN (electricity): Usually shown in a box or section labelled “Supply number”. It’s often split across several lines.

MPRN (gas): Normally listed as “MPRN” or “Meter Point Reference Number” and shown as a single long number.

If you can’t find them on your bill, you’ve still got options.

You can contact your energy supplier and ask them directly. They can look up your details using your business address.

There are also national databases that can help, but going through your supplier is usually quicker.

MPAN and MPRN are not your meter number

It’s easy to mix these up, but they’re different.Your meter number relates to the physical device on your wall.

Your MPAN or MPRN  relates to the supply point connected to your property.

Both are useful, but for switching suppliers or setting up contracts, the MPAN or MPRN is what really matters.

Keeping your details handy

It’s worth saving your MPAN and MPRN somewhere easy to find. You probably won’t need them often. But when you do, it’s usually time-sensitive, like switching suppliers or moving premises. Having them ready can save you a bit of back and forth.