The MPRN is a unique, 6 to 10 digit identifier given to every gas supply point in Great Britain.
It provides a consistent way to refer to a gas connection regardless of the meter installed or the current supplier.
This guide shows what an MPRN looks like and where to find it, then explains why it matters, how to use it, and how it differs from its electricity equivalent, the MPAN.
What is an MPRN number?
MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number. It is the unique identifier of every gas supply point across all properties in Great Britain, including homes, businesses and public buildings.
It gives the energy industry a consistent way to refer to an individual gas connection, regardless of which domestic or business energy supplier happens to be responsible for it at the time, or the meter installed. This keeps billing, switching and metering matched to the right supply at all times.
You may also see it called an “M number”, “Meter Point Number”, or “Gas supply number” on older bills and paperwork.
An MPRN applies only to the mains gas supply in Great Britain. Other utilities use their own equivalent systems, such as the MPAN for electricity and the SPID for business water.
What does an MPRN number look like?
The MPRN is between 6 and 10 digits long, containing numbers only with no letter prefix.
For example: 9012345678
It is issued and maintained by Xoserve, the central data agent for Great Britain’s gas market, on behalf of the four major gas distribution networks (Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities) and the various independent gas transporters.
Here are the key things to know about it:
Length and format
An MPRN in Great Britain is six to ten digits long. Older, legacy supply points tend to be shorter, and more recent ones longer. Some bills space the digits out for readability, but they run together as a single reference.
The 74, 75, 76 or 77 prefix
If an MPRN begins with 74, 75, 76 or 77, the property is served by an Independent Gas Transporter rather than one of the main gas distribution networks.
Tied to the property
All MPRNs are tied to the property, not the business, meter or supplier. A site can change hands, switch business gas suppliers, or have its meter replaced or upgraded to a smart meter without the MPRN changing.
It only changes if the supply point itself is decommissioned and a new one created.
Not the same as the meter serial number
The MPRN is often confused with the Meter Serial Number (MSN) printed on the meter.
Unlike MPRN, the MSN mixes letters and numbers (for example, L98765432M for a traditional gas meter, or G4P11209876543 for a smart gas meter).
The MSN identifies the physical device and changes when the meter is swapped, whereas the MPRN identifies the supply point and does not.
Not the same as the gas supplier account number
The MPRN can also be confused with the domestic or business gas supplier account number, which is used by the supplier for communications, billing, sales, etc, and which changes when switching suppliers.
There is no universal format, and it normally shows with the label “account number” on gas bills.
Where can I find my MPRN number?
The MPRN appears in various documents and online portals regarding the business gas supply. These are the main places to find them:
- On the gas bill: It is usually shown in its own panel, labelled “MPRN” or “Meter Point Reference”.
- In the online account or supplier app: Most suppliers list it under the meter or supply details for the gas account.
- On or near the gas meter: Some meters carry the MPRN on a sticker on the meter box, though this is not guaranteed.
- Through Find My Supplier: The free industry lookup at findmysupplier.energy returns the MPRN and gas network from a postcode, which is useful for a site that has no bill to hand.
- Via the Meter Number Helpline: Calling 0870 608 1524 will identify the MPRN for an address, though the service may not cover supplies on an Independent Gas Transporter network.
- Contacting the landlord, letting agent or previous occupant: This is a quick route to the number when moving into a new property.
Can a business premises have more than one MPRN?
Yes. Each gas supply point has its own MPRN, so a site with more than one gas connection, such as a large building or several units under one roof, will have a separate MPRN for each.
A site with a single gas supply point has just one.
If the site has more than one MPRN, tell your business energy broker up front which connection you would like to request business gas prices for, when comparing business gas suppliers.
What to do if your MPRN appears to be wrong?
Issues with an MPRN are rare, but they do happen. For example, a different number on the bill and online account or the same MPRN against two supply points.
In almost all cases, the advice is to contact the current gas supplier, who can check the MPRN against the national record and arrange any correction. Having a recent bill and meter details to hand can help resolve it more quickly.
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