MPAN Checker
What the numbers on your electricity bill meanType in the MPAN from your business electricity bill. We'll check it adds up, compare its network area with your site postcode and tell you what each part means.
This checker is for electricity only. Your MPAN follows a fixed layout, with a check digit and a network area code, so we can test it. We haven't found a published way to check a gas MPRN: the only thing we could test is its length, which wouldn't tell you much. If you'd like your gas number checked, book a time with us and we'll do it. Nothing is sent to us until you press a button that says so.
Why check your MPAN?
Here's what the checker does with the numbers you type in:
- Checks your MPAN adds up: the last digit is worked out from the twelve before it. If it doesn't match, a digit has been copied wrongly. A match is a good sign, but it can't catch every mistake.
- Compares the meter's area with your site: the first two digits give the meter's network region, and we check it against your site postcode. A different area means the number isn't for that site. A match doesn't prove it is.
- Explains your top line: if you add the short top row, we tell you your profile class, for example single rate, Economy 7 or a larger maximum demand supply.
It doesn't look anything up with the energy industry, so it can't confirm a number belongs to your meter or tell you who your supplier is. We can do that for you.
Step 1 of 3
Who's the meter for?
Two quick questions to start. We keep these details when you press the button, so we can help if anything's wrong with your meter and get you prices before your renewal.
Thanks. Now tell us about your contract.
Step 2 of 3
Your electricity contract
All optional. We add these to your details when you press the button.
Step 3 of 3
Check your MPAN
Type in both lines from the box marked S on your electricity bill.
This checker reads the numbers you type in and checks they're the right shape. It doesn't look anything up with the energy industry, so it can't tell you your supplier or confirm the meter is live. We can do that for you.
Let's get your prices
Book a time with our energy team. We'll already have your MPAN, so there's nothing to repeat. We'll check your supply, sort out anything that doesn't match and get you prices from suitable suppliers for this meter. No pressure, just straightforward advice.
How to read your MPAN
- Profile class: The first two digits of the top line. They tell suppliers how your meter is billed, from 00 (half-hourly) to 08 (large maximum demand supplies).
- Meter details: The other six digits of the top line are codes the industry uses for the meter's setup and its network tariff. The checker doesn't explain these.
- Distributor ID: The first two digits of the core. 10 to 23 are the regional networks and 24 to 45 are independent network operators.
- Unique identifier: The next ten digits, which pin down your supply point.
- Check digit: The last digit, worked out from the twelve before it. If it doesn't match, a digit has been copied wrongly.
Want the long version? See how to find your MPAN and MPRN on your bill.
Which network area are you in?
The first two digits of your MPAN core tell you the area your supply sits in. Network charges are set area by area, so two identical businesses in different regions can pay different amounts for the same electricity.
| Distributor ID | Area |
|---|---|
| 10 | East of England |
| 11 | East Midlands |
| 12 | London |
| 13 | Merseyside and North Wales |
| 14 | West Midlands |
| 15 | North East England |
| 16 | North West England |
| 17 | North of Scotland |
| 18 | Central and Southern Scotland |
| 19 | South East England |
| 20 | Southern England |
| 21 | South Wales |
| 22 | South West England |
| 23 | Yorkshire |
| 24 to 45 | An independent network operator, usually on newer developments |
No bill to hand? Leave it with us
New premises, a lost bill or a supplier that's gone quiet: it happens to everyone. Tracking down meter numbers is part of what we do when we gather your details, so you're not left chasing industry databases yourself. While you've got your bill out, check you're paying the right tax with our VAT checker and Climate Change Levy checker.
Words we use on this page
- MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number)
- The number that identifies your electricity supply. It's in a box on your bill, usually with a big S in front of it. The top line (8 digits) holds your profile class, a meter code and your LLFC. The bottom line (13 digits) is your meter's own number, and its first two digits show your network region. Source: SSEN, what is an MPAN
- Profile class
- The first two digits of your MPAN top line. Each class has an average pattern of use through the day, published by Elexon, and meters that aren't settled half-hourly are settled as if they followed it. 00 means the meter is already half-hourly, 01 and 02 are homes, 03 and 04 are business meters (04 has a cheaper night rate), and 05 to 08 are larger business meters grouped by load factor (how steady the site's use is compared with its peak). Source: Elexon glossary, profile class
- LLFC (Line Loss Factor Class)
- The last three digits of your MPAN top line. Your local network company uses it to put your meter on one of its network tariffs, which sets your network charges. It also sets the line loss factor: some electricity is lost on the cables on its way to you, and the factor adjusts your metered use to allow for it. Source: Elexon glossary, line loss factor
- Network region
- Great Britain has 14 electricity network regions, each run by a distribution network operator (DNO) such as UK Power Networks. Each one sets its own charges and time bands. Your site postcode tells us your region, and so do the first two digits of your MPAN bottom line. Source: DCUSA Network Charging Statements portal
Questions people ask
What does my MPAN mean?
Your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) identifies your electricity supply. The 13-digit core on the bottom line starts with a distributor ID, which tells you your network area, then a unique identifier for your supply point, then a check digit. The top line starts with your profile class, which tells suppliers how your meter is billed.
How do I know if my MPAN is valid?
The last digit of the 13-digit core is a check digit, worked out from the 12 digits before it. Our checker does the sum for you. If it doesn't match, a digit has been copied wrongly. A match is a good sign, but it can't catch every mistake.
What is a profile class?
The first two digits of your MPAN's top line. Class 00 means you're billed half-hourly, 01 and 02 are household classes, 03 and 04 are the usual small business classes and 05 to 08 are larger supplies with maximum demand meters.
Can I find my supplier from my MPAN?
Not from the number itself. Your MPAN tells you your network area and how your meter is set up, but not who supplies you. Your bill will, and if you can't find one, send us what you have and we'll track it down for you.
Got your numbers? Call our Energy Team on 01273 914000 and we'll take it from there.