An MPAN, or Meter Point Administration Number, is the unique reference that identifies an electricity supply point at a property in Great Britain. It stays with the property rather than the meter and is used when switching supplier or querying a supply.
In one line: An MPAN is the unique number identifying a property's electricity supply point, fixed to the address rather than the meter.
How an MPAN works
The MPAN is a 21-digit number, sometimes called a supply number, printed on the electricity bill. It identifies the supply point so the correct meter and tariff details are linked when a customer switches or reports a fault.
When moving home or changing supplier, quoting the MPAN ensures the new supplier takes over the right electricity supply. The 9-digit top line of the MPAN holds technical detail such as the profile class, while the 13-digit bottom line uniquely identifies the supply point.
Because the MPAN belongs to the property, replacing the physical meter does not change it.
MPAN vs MPRN
An MPAN identifies the electricity supply point, while an MPRN identifies the gas supply point at the same property. A dual-fuel home has both, one per fuel.
Both stay with the property rather than the meter, so they are the references used to set up or switch supply correctly.
Primary source: Ofgem: Get help with energy