What an MPAN looks like
A full MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is 21 digits, printed in a distinctive S-shape on electricity bills. The bottom row is the 13-digit core MPAN — that is what the DNO needs.
| S | 01 | 801 | 001 |
| 10 1234 5678 901 2 |
[!TIP] The MPAN is not the same as the meter serial number. The meter serial is the number stamped on the meter itself. The MPAN is on the bill.
What the digits mean
The bottom (core) row is what carries the network information:
| Section | Digits | What it tells us |
|---|---|---|
| Distributor ID | First 2 digits of the core row | The DNO region (e.g. 10 = Eastern / UKPN) |
| Unique Reference | Next 10 digits | The specific supply identifier |
| Check Digit | Final digit | Validation digit |
The top row of the S carries the profile class, meter time switch code, and line loss factor — useful for billing, but not the DNO routing.
Why we need it
The DNO uses the MPAN to locate the specific supply on their network. Without it, they cannot process the application. The Distributor ID — the first two digits of the core row — is how we identify which DNO your application should go to.
Where to find it
- On any electricity bill, usually in a box on page 1 or 2
- On the customer's online energy account
- By calling the supplier and asking for the "MPAN for the electricity supply"
[!WARNING] Never guess the MPAN from a neighbour's bill. Even next-door properties often have different MPANs. Always confirm from the customer's own supply.