What Is An MPRN?

If you've been asked for your MPRN and you're not sure what it is or where to find it, you're not alone. It's one of those pieces of information that comes up every time you deal with a gas supplier, but it's rarely explained clearly.

Here's what it is and where to find it.

MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number. It's the unique identifier for your gas supply point — the specific location where gas is delivered to your premises.

Like the MPAN for electricity, the MPRN is a permanent reference number for the supply point itself. It doesn't change when you switch supplier, when the meter is replaced, or when the occupier changes. It stays with the supply point for as long as that supply exists.

Every gas supply in the UK has its own MPRN. It's how the gas industry tracks and manages individual supply points across the national network.

The MPRN applies to mains gas supplies — premises connected to the national gas distribution network. If your premises uses LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) delivered by tanker, you won't have an MPRN, because you're not connected to the mains network.

For premises with a mains gas connection, the MPRN is the primary reference number used by suppliers, network operators and industry systems to identify the supply.

Your MPRN is printed on your gas bill. It's typically shown in the "supply details" or "meter information" section, and it's usually labelled clearly as "MPRN" or "Meter Point Reference Number."

The MPRN is an 11-digit number. It's sometimes confused with the account number, which is a different reference used by your supplier to identify your customer account.

If you're looking at your bill and you can see a long number in the meter or supply details section, that's likely your MPRN. If you're not sure, look for the label — it should say "MPRN" or "Meter Point Reference Number" next to it.

Your account number is assigned by your supplier and is specific to your relationship with that supplier. If you switch to a new supplier, you'll get a new account number. Your MPRN, on the other hand, stays the same regardless of which supplier you're with.

When a gas supplier asks for your MPRN, they want the 11-digit meter point reference number, not your account number. These are different numbers and serve different purposes.

Your account number is useful for dealing with your current supplier — for paying bills, querying charges, or updating your details. Your MPRN is what's needed when you're getting quotes or switching supplier.

Your meter serial number (sometimes called the MSN) is printed on the physical meter installed at your premises. It identifies the specific meter, not the supply point.

If your meter is replaced — which happens periodically as meters age or are upgraded — the serial number changes. The MPRN does not change.

When a gas engineer or meter operator asks for the serial number, they want the number from the meter itself. When a supplier or broker asks for your MPRN, they want the 11-digit reference number from your bill.

If you can't locate your MPRN on your bill, the simplest thing to do is send us a copy of the bill. We'll find it for you and use it to get you accurate quotes.

You can upload your bill on our website or call us on 01256 844048.

Related guides: What Is An MPAN? · How To Read A Business Energy Bill · Business Energy Dictionary