Gas MPRN Number Explained: How to Find It in the UK

If you have ever tried to switch gas supplier, move home, fix a billing issue, or set up a new energy account, you may have been asked for your MPRN.

Many people in the UK see this term for the first time and wonder what it means, where to find it, and whether it is written on the gas meter itself. That confusion is very common. The good news is that once you know what to look for, finding your MPRN is usually quite simple.

What is a gas MPRN number?

MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number. It is the unique number used to identify your gas supply point. In simple words, it helps gas suppliers and the wider energy system know exactly which property and gas connection they are dealing with.

Ofgem explains that the MPRN is the gas equivalent of the electricity MPAN, and that these numbers help energy companies identify your home and supply.

This number is important because it is linked to the supply point at your property, not to the contract you have with a particular supplier. That means it helps when you switch supplier, set up a new account, or sort out supply records. Xoserve, which manages central gas market data, also notes that MPRN details can help with switching and supply identification.

Is the MPRN the same as the number on the gas meter?

No. This is where many people get mixed up. The number printed on the meter itself is often the meter serial number, not the MPRN. British Gas explains that the meter serial number identifies the physical meter, while the MPRN identifies the gas supply point.

It also says the MPRN appears on the bill and is not printed on the meter itself. EDF and ScottishPower also direct customers to the bill when looking for the MPRN.

So if you are searching the front of the gas meter and cannot find the MPRN, do not panic. You are probably looking at the wrong number. The MPRN is usually found in your paperwork or online account, not on the meter display.

What does an MPRN look like?

Your MPRN is made up of numbers only. Citizens Advice says it has between 6 and 11 digits, while ScottishPower says it can be up to 11 digits. In many cases, you will see it labelled clearly as MPRN, Meter Point Reference Number, or sometimes gas supply number.

Why might you need your MPRN?

You may need your MPRN when:

• switching gas supplier
• moving into a new home
• checking whether the correct meter is linked to your address
• setting up a new energy account
• dealing with billing or address record problems
• arranging gas work or checking supply details

It is one of those numbers you may ignore for years, but when you need it, you really need it.

How to find your MPRN: step by step

Here is the easiest way to check your MPRN in the UK.

Step 1: Check your gas bill first

This is the quickest and easiest option. Ofgem says you can get your MPRN from your gas supplier information, and Citizens Advice says it will be on your gas bill. ScottishPower says you can usually find it next to tariff or energy-use information, while EDF says it may appear on the second page of the bill.

Look for labels such as:

• Meter Point Reference Number
• MPRN
• Gas supply number

If you receive digital bills, open your latest PDF bill and search for the word MPRN. That often saves time.

Step 2: Check your online energy account

If you do not keep paper bills, log in to your supplier’s online account or mobile app. Many suppliers show account details, tariff details, and supply numbers there. Since suppliers place the MPRN on billing documents and account records, your online account may show it too, or at least give you access to a downloadable bill where it appears.

Step 3: Use the Find My Supplier service

If you do not have a bill, this is usually the best next step. Ofgem says the Meter Point Administration Service can tell you who your gas supplier is and help you get your MPRN through the Find My Supplier online tool. Citizens Advice and Xoserve also point people to this same service. You normally search using your postcode and address details.

This is especially useful if:

• you have just moved in
• you do not know your current gas supplier
• you have no recent bill
• you want to double-check the supply details for your address

Step 4: Call the Meter Number Helpline

If online tools are not convenient, you can call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524. Citizens Advice says the line is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, and calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Ofgem and Xoserve also list this number for gas supplier and MPRN queries.

This is a good option if you are not comfortable searching online or if your address details are not showing clearly in a search.

Step 5: Ask your landlord, letting agent, or property manager

If you have recently moved in, the previous tenant, landlord, or managing agent may already have the gas account records or old bills. British Gas says this can be useful where you do not have a bill yourself yet.

This can save time, especially in rented flats where supply details are often already documented.

Step 6: Contact your gas supplier directly

If you know which company supplies your gas, contact them and ask them to confirm the MPRN linked to your address. Suppliers use the MPRN to identify your gas supply point, so they can often help once they verify your details.

If there is an address mismatch or a problem with the supply record, Xoserve says your supplier may need to work through its gas shipper to correct the data.

What if you still cannot find an MPRN?

Sometimes the issue is not that you are looking in the wrong place. Sometimes the central record is incomplete or there is no MPRN set up yet. Xoserve explains that where there is no record of the gas supply point, the supplier may need to request an M Number Creation process. Cadent says that if you already have a meter but no MPRN, you should contact a supplier of your choice so they can begin the registration process.

This usually matters in unusual cases, such as:

• a newly connected property
• a property with incorrect address records
• a supply point not properly registered
• a building where meter or supply records have become mixed up

So if every normal route fails, do not assume you are doing something wrong. It may be a data issue behind the scenes.

Does your MPRN change?

Usually, no. If you switch supplier, the MPRN normally stays the same because it is linked to the property’s gas supply point, not to the supplier contract. British Gas explains this clearly. However, if you move to a different property, the new property will have its own separate MPRN.

That is why people often keep the same MPRN when changing tariff or supplier, but not when changing address.

A quick warning about safety

Your MPRN helps with administration, billing, and supplier records, but it is not the number to use in an emergency. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, Cadent lists the 24/7 National Gas Emergency number: 0800 111 999. Safety comes first.

Final thoughts

If you came here wondering whether the gas MPRN number is on the meter, the safest answer is this: usually, no. In most cases, the MPRN is found on your gas bill, in your online energy account, through the Find My Supplier service, or by calling the Meter Number Helpline. The number on the meter itself is usually the meter serial number, which is different.

Once you know that difference, the whole process becomes much easier. Keep your MPRN saved somewhere safe. It can save you a lot of time when you move home, switch supplier, or need help with your gas account.