Energy Guides
What Is an MPAN?
Where to find your electricity supply number and what each part of it means.
4 min read · Updated 18 July 2026
An MPAN — Meter Point Administration Number — is the unique identifier for an electricity supply point in Great Britain. It's often called an 'S number' because it's usually printed inside a grid marked with an 'S' on your bill.
Where to find it
Look for a grid of boxes on your electricity bill, usually near the top, with rows of digits. The MPAN identifies the physical connection point — not the supplier — which is why it stays the same even if you switch suppliers.
What the numbers mean
The full MPAN has 13 digits split across two lines. The top line (2 digits) is the profile class, which describes your consumption pattern. The bottom line includes the meter timeswitch code, line loss factor class, and the unique 8-digit core reference for your specific meter.
- Profile class — indicates domestic, non-half-hourly or half-hourly metering
- Meter timeswitch code — describes how the meter registers usage over time
- Line loss factor class — accounts for electricity lost in distribution
- Core MPAN — the unique 8-digit meter reference
When you'll need it
You'll be asked for your MPAN whenever you request a quote, switch supplier, or query a bill. Having it ready alongside a recent bill speeds up any comparison significantly.
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