What is an MPAN number?
An MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is the 21-digit reference that uniquely identifies your electricity supply point. This guide explains what it is, how to find it on or off your bill, what each digit means, and why your electrician needs it.
21 digits
Top row: 3 digits. Bottom row: 18 digits. Always preceded by a large "S".
On every bill
Look for "Supply Number" or "S Number" on any electricity bill.
No bill? Call ECOES
National Grid ECOES helpline 0870 608 1524 will read it to you.
How to find your MPAN number
- On a paper bill — find the box marked "Supply Number", "S Number" or with a large S. The 21 digits are arranged as 3 over 18.
- In your supplier's app — under "Account Details", "Supply Details" or "About this meter". All major UK suppliers (Octopus, EDF, British Gas, OVO, EON, Scottish Power) show it.
- By phone — call your electricity supplier with your address; they will read it out within 2 minutes.
- If you don't know your supplier — call the National Grid ECOES helpline on 0870 608 1524. They hold the master register and will identify both your supplier and your MPAN.
You will NOT find the MPAN on the meter itself. The number on the meter is the meter serial number — different thing entirely.
What do the 21 digits mean?
A typical MPAN is laid out like this:
S 03 801 001
14 0000 1234 5678 9
- Top row — Profile Class (2 digits): 01–02 domestic, 03–04 non-domestic single rate, 05–08 maximum demand etc.
- Top row — Meter Time Switch Code (3 digits): 801 = single rate, 802 = Economy 7, etc.
- Top row — Line Loss Factor (3 digits): network loss class for your area.
- Bottom row — Distributor ID (2 digits): identifies your DNO. 14 = National Grid (formerly WPD) South West.
- Bottom row — Unique Reference (8 digits): your specific supply point.
- Bottom row — Check Digit (1 digit): validation digit calculated from the others.
DNO numbers — find your distributor
| Distributor ID | Network area |
|---|---|
| 10 | UK Power Networks — Eastern |
| 11 | National Grid — East Midlands |
| 12 | UK Power Networks — London |
| 13 | SP Energy Networks — Merseyside & North Wales |
| 14 | National Grid — South West (Devon, Cornwall, Somerset) |
| 15 | Northern Powergrid — North East |
| 16 | Electricity North West |
| 17 | SSEN — North Scotland |
| 18 | SP Energy Networks — Central Scotland |
| 19 | UK Power Networks — South East |
| 20 | SSEN — Southern |
| 21 | National Grid — South Wales |
| 22 | National Grid — West Midlands |
| 23 | Northern Powergrid — Yorkshire |
Why your electrician needs it
- EV charger DNO notification — every new EV charger in the UK must be notified to your DNO using the MPAN.
- Solar PV G99 / G98 applications — required to register the generation point.
- Main fuse upgrades — moving from 60A to 100A needs a DNO request quoting the MPAN.
- New supply or supply alteration — every formal request to your DNO uses the MPAN as the unique reference.
Need an electrician in Devon?
We handle every DNO notification for EV chargers, solar PV, and main fuse upgrades — you don't need to lift a finger once we have your MPAN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MPAN number?
An MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is a 21-digit reference that uniquely identifies the electricity supply point at your property. It tells your supplier exactly which physical meter point belongs to you, regardless of who currently supplies your electricity. The MPAN is sometimes called the "Supply Number" or "S Number" because every printed version starts with the letter S.
How do I find my MPAN number?
Your MPAN appears on every electricity bill — usually in a small box on the front or back labelled "Supply Number" or "S". It is laid out as a top row of three digits and a bottom row of 18 digits, all preceded by a large S. You will not find it on the meter itself or on your gas bill.
How can I find my MPAN number without a bill?
If you don't have a bill, you have three options: (1) log in to your electricity supplier's online account or app — it's shown under your supply details, (2) call your electricity supplier with your address and they will read it out, or (3) call the National Grid ECOES helpline on 0870 608 1524 with proof of address. The MPAN is not printed on the meter and an electrician cannot read it from the meter.
What does the MPAN number mean?
The 21 digits are split into the Profile Class (2 digits — domestic, commercial, etc.), the Meter Time Switch Code (3 digits — single rate, Economy 7), the Line Loss Factor (3 digits — area network losses), the Distributor ID (2 digits — your DNO area), the Unique Reference Number (8 digits — your specific supply point), and a Check Digit (1 digit). Together they tell suppliers exactly how to bill and switch your supply.
Is the MPAN number the same as the meter serial number?
No. The MPAN identifies the supply point (the wires coming into your property) and stays the same forever. The meter serial number identifies the physical meter and changes every time the meter is replaced — for example when you switch to a smart meter. Your supplier needs both, but they are separate numbers.
Where is the MPAN on a smart meter bill?
Even with a smart meter, the MPAN is printed on every electricity bill in the same place — a boxed-out area marked with a large S, three top digits and 18 bottom digits. It is also visible in your supplier's app under "Account Details", "Supply Details" or "About this meter".
Why does my electrician need my MPAN?
For three main reasons: (1) DNO notification when installing an EV charger, solar PV or any new significant load, (2) main fuse upgrade requests to your DNO (e.g. 60A to 100A), and (3) requesting a new connection or supply change. Without the MPAN your DNO cannot identify your specific supply point and the application is rejected.
What's the difference between MPAN and MPRN?
MPAN (21 digits) is for electricity. MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number, 6–10 digits) is for gas. They look different and are issued by different bodies — Elexon for MPAN, Xoserve for MPRN. We only need your MPAN for electrical work.