MPAN

MPAN number also known as Meter Point Administration number, Supplier Number and S number. It’s 21 digit reference to help identify electricity supply point. This is how MPAN number is printed on your electricity bill. (See below)

This system was adapted in 1998 to create competitive energy platform in order to compare energy suppliers and switch to cheaper energy supplier. It is represented by a grid of numbers separated in two sections – the core and the supplementary data.

Core data is a set of 13 digit number at the bottom line of the grid. It is referred to as the unique identifier as it gives details about Distributor ID, Unique Identifier and Check Digit. The upper line of the grid represents supplementary data and gives details about the Profile Type, Meter Time-Switch Code and Line Loss Factor.

Supplementary data explained in detail:

The first two digit in the upper line of the grid represent the profile class. These are used to provide the supplier with an estimation about the electricity that will be used throughout the day. They represent the domestic or non-domestic usage and informs about the load factor. Most used Profile classes are 01 and 02 while other classes named 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 and 08 also exists. As opposed to this, it is 00 at places where half hourly metering is installed.

The eight profile classes are as follows:

Profile Class 01: Domestic Unrestricted Customers

Profile Class 02: Domestic Economy 7 Customers

Profile Class 03: Non-Domestic Unrestricted Customers

Profile Class 04: Non-Domestic Economy 7 Customers

Profile Class 05: Non-Domestic Maximum Demand (MD) Customers with a Peak Load Factor (LF) of less than 20%

Profile Class 06: Non-Domestic Maximum Demand Customers with a Peak Load Factor between 20% and 30%

Profile Class 07: Non-Domestic Maximum Demand Customers with a Peak Load Factor between 30% and 40%

Profile Class 08: Non-Domestic Maximum Demand Customers with a Peak Load Factor over 40%

Profile class 05 to 08 are known as Maximum Demand (MD) customers as their metering system has a register that shows the maximum demand for a given period of time. For proper measurement of energy consumption by the businesses falling under the profile class 05 and 08, OfGem has passed P272 regulation, under which energy suppliers need to install half hourly meters to every business that falls under profile class 05 to 08.

The next three digit (i.e. “123” in above MPAN_Figure1) form the MTC (Meter Time Switch Code). It represents the number of registers the meter has and their time of operation during the day (morning or night).

The next three digits (i.e. “456” in above MPAN_Figure1) represent the LLF (Line Loss Factor). This suggests the cost charged by a distribution company from a supplier for using cables and networks in your region.

Talking about the bottom line of the grid – Core data:

MPAN_Figure2

The first two digits represent the Distribution ID (i.e. “12” in left side MPAN_Figure2), which is a unique identifier for local distribution company that transports the electricity to your meter.

Next eight digits represent the Meter Point ID number (i.e. “12345678” in left side MPAN_Figure2). It is used to identify the actual metering point.

Last three digits are called Check Digit (i.e. “111” in left side image of MPAN_Figure2). This number is derived from the Distribution ID and Point ID number and is specially used by other systems to validate both these numbers.

How can I find out my MPAN number?

• By looking at your electricity bill,
• Contact and ask your current electricity supplier,
• Contact local electricity distributor. – For electricity distributor details, look at our Switching your home Electricity and Gas supplier guide.

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Once you have found the cheapest electricity deal and happy to switch, select cheap electricity supplier and fill in your details such as your full name, your address and your bank details for direct debit. Switching with FreePriceCompare .com is really easy, simple and you can switch online. Once you have switched, your new supplier will contact you to verify details and to confirm the contract start date.

Written by

Shay Ramani

Founder and Managing Director at Free Price Compare

Expert in Cost Saving and Financial Solutions