When it comes to managing your energy bills, it’s important to understand the various numbers and codes associated with your meter, supply, and account. In particular, MPAN, MPRN, and meter serial numbers are critical pieces of information that can help you identify and manage your gas and electricity supply. In this article, we’ll explore what these numbers are, how to find them, and why they are important.
What are MPAN, MPRN, and Meter Serial Numbers?
MPAN and MPRN are codes used to identify your electricity and gas supply points, respectively. MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration Number, while MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number. These codes are unique to your property and help energy suppliers and distributors identify and manage the supply of gas and electricity to your home or business.
The meter serial number (MSN), on the other hand, is a unique code that identifies your gas or electricity meter. This number is often printed on the meter itself and is used to ensure that the correct meter is associated with the correct supply point.
Why are MPAN, MPRN, and Meter Serial Numbers Important?
MPAN and MPRN numbers are important because they allow your energy supplier to identify your property and accurately bill you for your energy usage. This is particularly important if you move to a new property or switch energy suppliers, as your MPAN or MPRN number will remain the same, regardless of who supplies your energy.
The meter serial number is also important because it helps ensure that you are being billed correctly for your energy usage. If the wrong meter is associated with your supply point, you could be paying for someone else’s energy usage or vice versa.
How to Find Your MPAN, MPRN, and Meter Serial Numbers
If you’re unsure where to find your MPAN, MPRN, or meter serial number, don’t worry – there are several ways to locate them.
To find your MPAN number, check your electricity bill. It should be listed somewhere on the bill, often near the top. It is typically a 21-digit number, displayed in a format such as:
21-digit number: 12 34 56 78 9012 3456 7
Alternatively, you can find your MPAN number by contacting your electricity supplier. They will be able to provide you with your MPAN number, as well as any other relevant information about your energy supply.
To find your MPRN number, check your gas bill. It should be listed somewhere on the bill, often near the top. It is typically a 6 to 10 digit number, displayed in a format such as:
MPRN: 1234567890
If you can’t find your MPRN number on your gas bill, you can also try contacting your gas supplier. They will be able to provide you with your MPRN number and any other relevant information about your gas supply.
To find your meter serial number, check your gas or electricity meter. The number should be printed somewhere on the meter, often near the barcode. It is typically a combination of letters and numbers and can be anywhere from 6 to 21 digits long, depending on the meter.
If you can’t find your meter serial number on your meter, you can also try contacting your energy supplier. They will be able to provide you with your meter serial number and any other relevant information about your meter.
What to Do if You Can’t Find Your MPAN, MPRN, or Meter Serial Number
1. Check Your Property Records
If you’ve recently moved into a new property or can’t find your energy bill or meter number, check your property records. Your MPAN, MPRN, and meter serial number should be included in your property records or lease agreement. If you’re renting your property, contact your property manager or landlord for assistance.
2. Contact Your Energy Supplier
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and still can’t find your MPAN, MPRN, or meter serial number, contact your energy supplier. They will be able to provide you with the necessary numbers and help you update your account. You may need to provide some personal information to verify your identity before they can provide you with the numbers.
3. Call the Meter Number Helpline
If you’re having trouble finding your MPAN, MPRN, or meter serial number, you can also call the meter number helpline on 0870 608 1524. This helpline is specifically designed to help customers locate their meter numbers and is staffed by energy industry experts who can assist you with any questions or concerns.
Will your MPAN and MPRN change if you switch suppliers?
No, your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) and MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) will not change if you switch energy suppliers. These numbers are unique identifiers for your gas and electricity supply points and are linked to the physical meters installed at your property.
When you switch suppliers, your new supplier will take over the management of your energy supply and will continue to use the same MPAN and MPRN that your previous supplier was using. This ensures that your energy supply is not interrupted and that you are billed correctly for your energy usage.
It’s worth noting that your new supplier may issue you a new customer reference number to use when you contact them or make payments, but this is separate from your MPAN and MPRN.
Why do you need to know your energy meter numbers?
Knowing your energy meter numbers, such as your MPAN, MPRN, and meter serial number, is important for a few reasons:
- Accurate billing: Your energy supplier uses your MPAN and MPRN numbers to accurately bill you for the energy you use. If they don’t have the correct numbers, you could be overcharged or undercharged for your energy usage.
- Switching suppliers: If you want to switch energy suppliers, you’ll need to provide your MPAN and MPRN numbers to your new supplier. This ensures a smooth transition between suppliers and ensures that you continue to receive accurate billing.
- Energy efficiency: Knowing your meter numbers can help you monitor your energy usage and identify ways to reduce your energy consumption. This can lead to cost savings on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Dispute resolution: In the event of a billing dispute or issue with your energy supply, having your meter numbers on hand can help resolve the issue more quickly and accurately.