> Case Study
Glow Lounge: MPAN Registration and New Meter Installation for a Newly Developed Commercial Property
When Maxine, owner of Glow Lounge, leased a newly developed commercial property, she quickly ran into a problem that no one had warned her about: the premises had never been assigned a Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN). Without an MPAN, it is impossible to set up an electricity account or arrange meter installation, which meant her business could not open.
After spending several months trying to resolve the issue herself, Maxine was repeatedly misdirected and unable to get clear guidance from suppliers or network operators. The delays were mounting. She turned to Energy Solutions.
The Challenge
A Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) is the unique reference that identifies an electricity supply point. Every commercial property needs one before any energy supplier can open an account or send an engineer to install a meter. In a newly developed building, this registration does not happen automatically, it must be arranged through the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Maxine had no knowledge of this process, and neither, it seemed, did the suppliers and other parties she had approached. She had spent several months being passed between organisations, each unable to help and none pointing her toward the correct resolution. The business was ready to trade, but without electricity, it could not open.
The Outcome
After three weeks of active coordination and escalation, the meter was successfully installed. Glow Lounge was able to operate fully for the first time, with a competitive energy contract in place and no additional installation charges passed on to the client. Maxine was extremely satisfied with the support provided and kindly left a positive review reflecting her experience.
Our Approach
Identifying the Root Cause
After carefully reviewing the situation, Energy Solutions identified that the core issue was the absence of an MPAN registration with the local DNO. This was not a supplier problem or a billing problem, it was a missing infrastructure step that needed to be resolved before anything else could move forward.
Guiding the DNO Registration
We guided Maxine through the correct registration process, supporting her in initiating the MPAN application with the DNO and ensuring all required information was provided accurately. Within 14 working days, the site was successfully registered and a new MPAN was issued.
After months of being unable to make any progress, the core blocker had been removed in under three weeks.
Securing Meter Installation and Supply
With the MPAN in place, we contacted multiple energy suppliers on Maxine’s behalf to find the best available terms. We successfully secured:
- Meter installation with no additional upfront cost
- Competitive business energy rates
- A reasonable installation timeframe
Managing the Christmas Period Delay
Although standard meter installations typically take around 10 working days, the process coincided with the Christmas period, which caused delays on the supplier’s side. From the outset, Energy Solutions managed Maxine’s expectations honestly, provided weekly progress updates, and consistently followed up with the supplier to keep the installation on track.
“After months of getting nowhere, Energy Solutions identified the problem straight away and guided me through every step. The MPAN was registered, the meter was installed, and I could finally open. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.”
Maxine, Owner
Glow Lounge
Key Results
MPAN registered
MPAN registered within 14 working days, after months of failed attempts independently
Meter Installed
Meter installed at no upfront cost to the client
Competitive Business
Competitive business energy contract secured and live
Glow Lounge
Glow Lounge fully operational with no outstanding energy infrastructure issues
Positive Review
Client left a positive review reflecting a high standard of service throughout
Why It Worked: The Energy Solutions Approach
The MPAN issue that blocked Maxine for months is more common than most new commercial tenants realise, and it is almost always caused by the same thing: a missing registration step that suppliers cannot resolve because it sits outside their process. Three things made the difference:
Identifying the real problem, not just the symptom
Rather than attempting to work around the missing MPAN, we identified it as the root cause immediately and resolved it at source through the correct DNO channel.
Supplier negotiation on the client’s behalf
We approached multiple suppliers simultaneously to secure the best installation and supply terms, and negotiated meter installation at no additional upfront cost.
Honest communication throughout
When the Christmas period caused delays, we communicated clearly from the outset, provided weekly updates, and kept following up with the supplier. Maxine always knew what was happening.p>
About Energy Solutions
Energy Solutions is an independent UK business energy broker based in Cardiff. Since 2016, we have helped businesses of all sizes, from new start-ups to multi-site operations, navigate energy setup, procurement, and disputes with complete transparency and no hidden fees. If your new premises has no MPAN or no meter, we know exactly how to resolve it.