As business energy experts, we often get asked by clients, "What is my MPAN number?"
An MPAN is a really important piece of information, essential for any business, like yours, looking to manage their electricity supply efficiently. When switching energy providers or resolving billing issues, you will need your MPAN to confirm your electricity meter. This guide will explain what an MPAN number is, how to find it, and why it matters for your business.
Understanding your MPAN number
MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration Number. It is a unique reference number used to identify your electricity supply point. Your MPAN might also be referred to as a supply number; it helps energy providers, brokers, and network operators pinpoint your specific electricity connection.
Your MPAN is not the same as your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number), which is used for gas supply identification. While both serve similar purposes, they are distinct numbers used for different utilities.
Where can I find my MPAN?
If you're wondering how to find your MPAN, the easiest place to check is your electricity bill. The MPAN is usually displayed in a box labelled 'Supply Number', often near the bottom of the bill.
Unlike an account number, your MPAN is a 21-digit reference number, which includes:
- A 2-digit profile class
- A 3-digit meter time switch code
- A 3-digit distributor ID
- An 8-digit unique identifier
- A final 2-digit check number
While all 21 digits are important, most suppliers only require the last 13 digits when switching or managing contracts.
Find out more about what each part of your MPAN means here.
What do the different profile classes mean on an MPAN?
A profile class is the first two numbers on your MPAN; this categorises your business based on its electricity consumption and load profile. There are 9 different profile classes your business could be put in. We are going to go through each one below.
Profile class 01
This profile class is for domestic, unrestricted customers. The majority of small businesses and households will have this profile class on their MPAN. This is for customers who don’t require a tailored energy plan due to usage.
Profile class 02
This is for domestic economy 7 customers. This profile class is still for households and small businesses, however, with an economy 7 meters, customers can save on electricity during off-peak hours.
Profile class 03
This profile class is for non-domestic, unrestricted customers, which are small businesses that don’t consume a lot of energy. Businesses with this profile class usually have low usage and a predictable consumption pattern.
Profile class 04
This is for non-domestic economy 7 customers, which are business customers with a low usage but also have an economy 7 meter. This is usually used for businesses that operate within off-peak hours, for example, a small hotel.
Maximum demand customers
The next 5 profile classes are for maximum-demand customers; these businesses must measure their energy load and usage at peak times. This is due to these customers having a higher consumption and therefore needing tailored energy plans.
Profile class 05
Businesses with this profile class have a peak load factor of less than 20%, meaning they use the least amount of energy in the maximum-demand customer class.
Profile class 06
Businesses with this profile class have a peak load factor between 20% and 30%.
Profile class 07
In this profile class, businesses have a peak load factor pushing 40%.
Profile class 08
Any businesses that have a peak load factor of over 40% fall into this category.
Profile class 00
Finally, the last profile class is reserved for businesses with a half-hourly meter. Due to higher consumption levels, businesses with this profile class have their electricity data sent to suppliers every half-hour.
Why is your MPAN important?
Your MPAN is critical for several reasons:
- Switching energy suppliers: When comparing business energy rates, your new supplier will need the MPAN to ensure they’re quoting for the correct supply point.
- Resolving billing issues: If there are discrepancies on your electricity bill, having your MPAN handy helps resolve them faster.
- Managing your electricity supply: Businesses with multiple premises can keep track of different supply points using MPANs.
How to find your MPRN
If you need to find your MPRN for your gas supply, this can also be located on your gas bill. Like the MPAN, the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) is a unique number identifying your gas meter.
If you can't locate your MPAN or MPRN on your bills, you can contact your energy supplier or use online tools provided by the UK’s energy database services to retrieve this information.
Need Help Managing Your Business Energy?
Understanding your MPAN and MPRN is essential for managing your energy costs effectively. As a business energy broker, we help companies like yours find the best energy deals, simplify supplier switches, and ensure accurate billing.
If you need assistance with your electricity supply, switching providers, or decoding your energy bill, feel free to get in touch!
By knowing your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) and Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), you can take control of your business energy needs and make informed decisions to save costs.
Let’s get your business the best energy deal today!
If you're looking to save money on your energy bills then why not get in touch today? The relationships Resolve Energy has developed with over 24 of the UK’s biggest business energy suppliers allows our energy experts to source the best business energy rates available for your company right when you need them. Request a free quote today and start saving money on your energy.
