Knowing how to find your MPRN number is essential when switching gas suppliers or setting up a new energy account. You are halfway through the process, everything is going smoothly, and then you hit a field labeled “MPRN,” and your brain goes blank.
Don’t worry. This happens to thousands of people every week, and it is not because you have missed something obvious. The MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) is genuinely buried in places most people never think to look. This guide walks you through exactly where to find it, even if you don’t have a single bill to hand.
Quick Answer: What Is an MPRN and Where Do I Find It?
Your MPRN, short for Meter Point Reference Number, is a unique number assigned to your gas supply point. It is typically 6 to 10 digits long and stays attached to the property address, not to you or your supplier. The fastest way to find your MPRN number is on your gas bill, usually near the meter details section. No bill? You can look it up free online in under two minutes using your postcode at FindMySupplier.com. You may also see it called an “M Number” or “gas supply number” on older bills.
What Is an MPRN Number?
An MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) is a unique number used to identify your specific gas supply point in the UK. It is not your meter, your account number, or your address. It is the specific point at which gas enters your property from the national network.
Every gas supply in the UK has one. Energy suppliers, gas network operators, and billing systems all rely on it to ensure accurate billing, process supplier switches correctly, and verify supply details. Without it, switching suppliers becomes messy, and setting up a new account is nearly impossible.
What Does MPRN Stand For?
MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number. You will sometimes see it called an “M Number” on older bills or referred to as a gas supply number or gas bill reference number. Whatever the label, it refers to the same thing: a unique identifier for your gas connection within the national network.
It is worth knowing that your MPRN is completely separate from your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number), which does the same job for your electricity supply. The two are commonly confused, especially on dual-fuel bills where both appear together.
MPRN vs. MPAN vs. Meter Serial Number: What Is the Difference?
This is where most people get tangled up, and it is an easy mistake to make. Here is a clear breakdown:
| Term | Full Name | Digits | What It Identifies | Where to Find It |
| MPRN | Meter Point Reference Number | 6 to 10 digits | Your gas supply point | Gas bill, gas meter, or online lookup |
| MPAN | Meter Point Administration Number | Always 11 digits | Your electricity supply point | Electricity bill (bottom left) |
| MSN | Meter Serial Number | Varies | The physical meter device | Printed on the meter itself |
| Account Number | Customer Account Number | Varies | Your supplier account | Top of any bill or welcome letter |
The number most people confuse with their MPRN is the meter serial number (MSN). It is printed on the meter and looks like an identifying code, but it tracks the physical device, not the supply point. If you switch suppliers and a new meter gets installed, your MSN changes. Your MPRN does not.
The MPAN is always an 11-digit number. If you count 11 digits, you are looking at your electricity supply information, not your gas supply. The MPRN varies in length, typically 6 to 10 digits.
How to Find Your MPRN Number: 6 Methods That Actually Work
Whether you have your latest bill to hand or have not received a single piece of post since moving in, one of these six methods will get you sorted.
Quick overview: how to find your MPRN number.
- Check your gas bill and look in the meter details or supply information section
- Look at your gas meter and check for a sticker or label, often starting with 74 or 75
- Use the free FindMySupplier.com postcode lookup tool online
- Call the National Gas Enquiry Line on 0870 608 1524
- Contact your regional Gas Distribution Network (GDN) operator
- Ask your landlord, letting agent, or previous supplier
Method 1: Check Your Gas Bill (By Far the Fastest)
Your gas bill is almost always the quickest route to finding your MPRN number. Look for a section labeled “meter details,” “supply information,” or “account details.” The MPRN will typically appear near your meter reading history, sometimes labeled as “M Number,” “Supply Number,” or “gas supply number” on older bills.
One thing most people overlook: it is often on the back of the bill, not the front. If you are scanning a PDF statement, use Ctrl+F to search for “MPRN” and save yourself the frustration of scrolling through pages of tariff information.
Your business gas bill will show the MPRN too, though it may be listed under “Supply Point ID” depending on your supplier’s bill format.
Time to find it: about 30 seconds.
Method 2: Look at the Gas Meter Itself
Some gas meters have the MPRN printed on a sticker or metal plate fixed to the meter body. This is more common on newer meters and smart meters (SMETS1 and SMETS2) and less reliable on older credit meters.
If you have a smart meter, you may also be able to find your MPRN via the In-Home Display (IHD). Navigate to the device settings or supply information menu. On many SMETS2 models, the MPRN is listed under “meter details.”
If you have a prepayment meter, check the display screen. Some prepayment meters cycle through supply reference information when you press the display button. Scroll through the menu options and look for a number starting with 74 or 75.
If you are checking a standard meter, look for a long number sequence that often begins with 74 or 75. That prefix is a giveaway that you are looking at the right number. Not all meters display the MPRN though, so if it is not visible, move straight to Method 3.
Time to find it: 1 to 2 minutes.
Method 3: Use the Free Online Postcode Lookup at FindMySupplier.com
This is the most underused method, and it is genuinely the best option for anyone who does not have a bill to hand. The tool is called FindMySupplier.com, run by Xoserve, the organization that manages the UK’s central gas supply database on behalf of the industry.
How to find your MPRN number online using FindMySupplier.com:
- Visit FindMySupplier.com
- Enter your full postcode
- Select your address from the list
- Your MPRN and current registered gas supplier will appear instantly
No account needed, no phone call, completely free. It works whether you have just moved in or you have never previously dealt with your energy account.
Time to find it: under 2 minutes.
Method 4: Call the Meter Number Helpline
If the online lookup is not returning your address, which can happen with new builds or recently converted properties, your next step is calling 0870 608 1524, the National Gas Enquiry Line.
Have your full address and postcode ready before you call. The team can trace your supply point and provide your MPRN directly. It is not the most exciting way to spend ten minutes, but it works when other methods do not.
Time to find it: around 10 minutes.
Method 5: Contact Your Gas Distribution Network Operator
Your Gas Distribution Network (GDN) is the organization responsible for the pipes that physically deliver gas to your area. They hold supply point data independently of your energy supplier and can confirm your MPRN even if you have no active account.
The UK’s main gas network operators are:
- Cadent Gas: covers the Northwest, East Midlands, London, and East of England
- SGN (Scotia Gas Networks): Scotland and South East England. The process for finding your MPRN in Scotland is identical to the rest of the UK.
- Northern Gas Networks: the North East and Yorkshire
- Wales and West Utilities: Wales and the South West
If you are unsure which network covers your area, Ofgem’s website has a regional breakdown. This method is particularly useful if you are dealing with a property where the gas supply has been inactive for an extended period.
Method 6: Ask Your Landlord, Letting Agent, or Previous Supplier
This is the obvious option that somehow gets forgotten. If you have just moved into a property, your landlord or letting agent is obligated to provide supply point information, including the MPRN. A straightforward email asking for “the MPRN for the gas supply at [address]” is usually all it takes.
If you had a gas account with a previous supplier and have since moved home, that supplier holds your old MPRN on record and can share it on request. A five-minute phone call is typically all it takes.
Can’t Find Your MPRN Number? Here’s What Might Be Going On
Sometimes none of the above methods work straight away, and there is usually a specific reason why.
You Have Just Moved In With No Bill
This is the most common scenario. Use the FindMySupplier.com postcode lookup first, as it does not require any account history. If your address does not appear, the supply may be registered as inactive. In that case, contact your regional GDN to request reactivation. Be aware that reactivating an inactive supply can take several days, so it is worth starting the process early.
The Property Is a new build.
New supply points need to be formally created and registered. If a gas connection exists but no MPRN has been assigned yet, the developer or homeowner needs to request one through the regional GDN. This is a process that takes a few weeks rather than a few minutes, so factor this in if you are dealing with a brand new property.
Your MPRN Starts With 74 or 75
An MPRN beginning with 74 or 75 means your gas is supplied via an independent gas transporter (IGT) rather than one of the main national gas networks. IGT supplies are increasingly common on newer housing estates.
The practical implication is that not every energy supplier offers tariffs for IGT-connected properties. If you have been struggling to get switching quotes online, this could be the reason. An energy broker with IGT experience can navigate this far more efficiently than going direct to suppliers.
The Number on Your Bill Does Not Match Your Meter
This usually means a meter exchange was not registered correctly on the national database. Contact your current supplier first. If they cannot resolve it, escalate to Xoserve, the organization that manages the UK’s central gas supply database, as they have the authority to correct mismatched supply records.
You Are Managing a Business Energy Account
The MPRN works identically for business gas supply, but the stakes are higher. An incorrect MPRN on a business energy contract can trigger an erroneous transfer, where your supply gets switched to the wrong supplier without your authorization. Always verify the MPRN independently before signing any new business energy contract, and cross-reference it against your most recent business gas bill.
What Does Your MPRN Number Actually Tell You?
Beyond being a reference code, the MPRN carries some useful information worth understanding.
- Length: MPRN numbers are typically 6 to 10 digits long. If you count exactly 11 digits, you are looking at an MPAN, which is your electricity supply number, not your gas supply reference.
- The 74 or 75 prefix: As mentioned above, this flags an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT) supply point. Most standard national network connections begin with different prefixes depending on the regional GDN.
- Does it change? No, not unless the gas supply point itself is decommissioned and a new one created. Switching suppliers, upgrading your meter, or moving to a smart meter does not affect your MPRN. It is tied to the property address and the connection point, not to you or your supplier.
- When you move house: Your MPRN does change when you move. Each property has its own unique MPRN. When you move somewhere new, you will have a new MPRN. Your old one stays with the property you have left.
Found Your MPRN Number? Here’s What to Do Next
If you are switching gas suppliers: You are ready to go. Most online switching platforms will ask for your MPRN during the quote process, and now you know exactly where to find it and what it means. Once you have confirmed your MPRN and have a current meter reading to hand, the switching process itself typically takes around 17 calendar days from start to finish, though this can vary slightly by supplier. Head to our gas comparison tool to compare the latest UK tariffs in about two minutes.
If you are setting up a new account: Alongside your MPRN, you will typically need a current meter reading and your move-in date. Having all three ready before you contact a supplier makes the setup process significantly smoother and avoids unnecessary back-and-forth delays.
A tip worth keeping: Save your MPRN somewhere accessible, whether that is a notes app, a home folder, or even a photo of your bill. You will likely need it again when your contract comes up for renewal, and having it instantly to hand saves a surprising amount of time and hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MPRN number?
An MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) is a unique number assigned to your gas supply point in the UK. It is typically 6 to 10 digits long and stays attached to your property address, not your supplier or meter. Energy companies use it to identify your gas connection and process supplier switches accurately.
How do I find my MPRN number?
The fastest way to find your MPRN number is on your gas bill, usually in the meter details or supply information section. If you do not have a bill, use the free postcode lookup tool at FindMySupplier.com. Other methods include checking the label on your gas meter, using your smart meter’s in-home display, calling 0870 608 1524, or contacting your regional gas network operator.
Is the MPRN the same as the meter serial number?
No. The meter serial number (MSN) identifies the physical meter device and is printed directly on the meter. The MPRN identifies your gas supply point and remains the same even if your meter is replaced. They are two separate reference numbers used for different purposes.
Does my MPRN change when I switch gas suppliers?
No. Your MPRN is tied to the gas supply point at your property address and does not change when you switch suppliers, upgrade your meter, or move to a smart meter.
What is the difference between an MPRN and an MPAN?
An MPRN relates to your gas supply. An MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) relates to your electricity supply. The MPAN is always an 11-digit number and appears at the bottom left of your electricity bill. The MPRN varies in length, typically 6 to 10 digits, and appears on your gas bill.
What does it mean if my MPRN starts with 74 or 75?
An MPRN beginning with 74 or 75 means your gas is delivered via an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT) rather than one of the main national gas networks. This does not affect your day-to-day gas supply, but it can limit which energy suppliers will offer you a tariff. An experienced energy broker can help you find the right deal for an IGT-connected property.
Can I find my MPRN number online for free?
Yes. Visit FindMySupplier.com, enter your full postcode, and select your address. Your MPRN and current registered gas supplier will be shown instantly with no account or registration required.
Does my MPRN change when I move houses?
Yes. Each property has its own unique MPRN. When you move to a new address, that property will have a different MPRN. Your old MPRN stays with the property you have left.
Who do I contact if I still cannot find my MPRN?
Start with the free postcode lookup at FindMySupplier.com. If that does not work, call 0870 608 1524. You can also contact your regional gas network operator: Cadent Gas, SGN, Northern Gas Networks, or Wales and West Utilities, depending on your area. As a last resort, Xoserve, which manages the UK’s central gas supply database, can trace any active supply point.
Do I need my MPRN to switch gas suppliers?
For most online switches, yes. If you genuinely cannot locate it, a good energy broker can find it on your behalf as part of the switching process.
Finding Your MPRN Number Is Easier Than It Sounds
The confusion around MPRN numbers is almost entirely down to the fact that nobody explains what they are until you urgently need one. Now you know: it is the unique Meter Point Reference Number for your gas supply point; it lives on your gas bill or your meter; and if neither is accessible, FindMySupplier.com will surface it in seconds.
Now that you know exactly how to find your MPRN number, you are ready to take the next step. Six methods, clear explanations, and no jargon. At least one of them will work for your situation.
If you have your number and want to see whether you are on a competitive tariff, compare gas deals on Energy Solutions now. It takes two minutes and could save you hundreds of pounds a year.
Not sure where to start? Our UK energy specialists are available for a free, no-obligation consultation. No jargon, no pressure, just straightforward advice.
