To find your energy supplier, check a recent bill first. If you don’t have one, use your postcode. For electricity, find your local network operator and use its supplier search, which runs on MPAS (the Meter Point Administration Service). For gas, enter your postcode on Find My Supplier or call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524.
This guide is written for business owners and managers. It covers both fuels, the meter numbers you’ll need (MPAN and MPRN), where to find your meter, and what to do once you know who supplies you. Rather we checked it for you? Our team can confirm your suppliers and meter details as part of a free business energy review.
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| What you want to find | Quickest free route |
|---|---|
| Electricity supplier | Your network operator’s supplier search (find it with the ENA postcode tool) |
| Gas supplier | Find My Supplier website, or the Meter Number Helpline |
| MPAN (electricity meter number) | Your bill, or ask your network operator |
| MPRN (gas meter number) | Your bill, Find My Supplier, or the Meter Number Helpline |
| Network operator (DNO) | Energy Networks Association postcode tool |
How do I find out who my electricity supplier is?
Work down this list. Most businesses have the answer by step 2.
- Check your paperwork. Your supplier’s name is on every bill, your contract and any direct debit on your bank statement.
- Ask whoever had the premises before you. If you’ve just moved in, the landlord, managing agent or previous tenant will usually know.
- Find your network operator by postcode. The Energy Networks Association postcode tool shows which company runs the cables in your area.
- Use that operator’s supplier search. Search by postcode on its website, or fill in its short form. The ENA says your network operator should be able to tell you who supplies the meter.
Can I find my energy supplier by postcode?
Yes, for both fuels, and it’s free. For electricity, your postcode gives you the network operator, and its search gives you the supplier. For gas, your postcode on Find My Supplier gives you the supplier directly.
If your business shares a building, several meters may sit under one postcode. Use your full address, or the meter number from an old bill, so you check the right supply.
What is MPAS?
MPAS is the Meter Point Administration Service. Each electricity network operator runs it for its own area. It records every electricity meter point and the supplier currently registered to it. You may see it typed as MPAAS or MPASS; they mean the same service.
When you switch supplier, the change is recorded in MPAS. That is why your network operator can tell you who supplies your meter today.
What is ECOES, and can a business log in?
ECOES is the Electricity Central Online Enquiry Service, a national database that brings MPAS records together. According to ECOES, it is funded by electricity suppliers and distributors and governed under the Retail Energy Code.
It is mainly used by suppliers, brokers and comparison sites. The ECOES site does offer registration for non-domestic customers, so a business can apply for a login. In practice, most firms find the network operator search, or their broker, quicker.
How long does the national meter database take to update?
The record changes when your switch completes, not when you sign. A search made between signing and your start date will still show your old supplier.
If the old name still shows after your agreed start date, ask your new supplier to confirm the date it registered your meter.
Who is my network operator (DNO)?
Your distribution network operator, or DNO, owns the cables that bring electricity to your premises. Great Britain has 14 DNO areas, each with a two-digit distributor ID.
| Distributor ID | Area | Network operator |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Eastern England | UK Power Networks |
| 11 | East Midlands | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
| 12 | London | UK Power Networks |
| 13 | Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales | SP Energy Networks |
| 14 | West Midlands | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
| 15 | North East England | Northern Powergrid |
| 16 | North West England | Electricity North West |
| 17 | Northern Scotland | Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks |
| 18 | Southern Scotland | SP Energy Networks |
| 19 | South East England | UK Power Networks |
| 20 | Southern England | Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks |
| 21 | South Wales | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
| 22 | South West England | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
| 23 | Yorkshire | Northern Powergrid |
Northern Ireland is covered by NIE Networks. Newer business parks may be served by an independent network operator (IDNO); the ENA lists those too. The same two-digit ID starts the bottom line of your MPAN, so your bill also tells you your DNO.
Is UK Power Networks or National Grid my supplier?
No. UK Power Networks, National Grid Electricity Distribution (formerly Western Power Distribution) and the other DNOs run the cables and fix power cuts. Your supplier sells you the electricity and sends the bill.
So a search like “UK Power Networks, who is my supplier” should lead you to the DNO’s supplier search, not a bill. For a power cut in England, Scotland or Wales, call 105 free. In Northern Ireland, call 03457 643643.
How do I find out who my gas supplier is?
Gas is simpler than electricity, because one national postcode service does the lookup.
- Check your bill or contract for the supplier’s name.
- Search by postcode on Find My Supplier. It shows your gas supplier, your gas transporter and your MPRN.
- Call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. Citizens Advice says calls cost 7p a minute plus your phone company’s access charge.
Once you know who supplies your gas, you can review your business gas contract before it renews. If you ever smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service free on 0800 111 999, 24 hours a day (National Gas).
Can my premises get mains gas?
If the building already has a gas meter, Find My Supplier will show it, along with its transporter. If it has no supply, contact the gas network for your area. Great Britain’s local gas networks are run by Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities, and they handle requests for new connections.
What is an MPAN and how do I find it?
Your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is the unique number for your electricity supply. It is often searched as “meter point number” or “supply number”. You’ll need it to switch supplier or get an accurate quote.
- On your bill: look for a box marked with a large “S”. It has a top line and a bottom line of numbers.
- Top line: describes the supply, including the profile class, meter time switch code and line loss factor.
- Bottom line: the 13-digit MPAN core. The first two digits are your distributor ID (see the DNO table) and the last digit is a check digit, as SSEN explains.
No bill? Ask your network operator, which issues MPANs, or your current supplier. Quote your full business address. A broker can also look it up for you as part of a quote.
The core stays with the meter point when you switch, so an old bill still shows the right MPAN. Premises with solar panels exporting to the grid may have a separate export MPAN as well.
What is an MPRN and how do I find it?
Your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) is the gas version of the MPAN. It is shorter than an MPAN and is sometimes called your gas meter number or gas supply number.
You’ll find it on your gas bill. You can also get it from Find My Supplier or the Meter Number Helpline. As with the MPAN, it stays the same when you change supplier.
Where is my meter, and what is the serial number?
Business meters are usually in a plant room, cupboard, basement, outdoor meter box or near the main entrance. In shared buildings, check with your landlord or managing agent first, as meters are often grouped in one room.
The meter serial number is printed on the meter itself, usually on the front panel, and is also shown on your bill. It identifies the physical meter, while the MPAN or MPRN identifies the supply point. If your meter is ever replaced, the serial number changes but the MPAN or MPRN stays the same. To understand what type of meter you have, see our guides to business electricity meters and commercial gas meters.
Why knowing your supplier matters for your business
You can’t manage a contract you can’t see. Knowing your suppliers and meter numbers matters most in four situations.
- You’ve moved into new premises. You’ll usually be on the existing supplier’s deemed rates until you agree a contract, and these are often higher.
- Your contract is ending. Missing the notice window can roll you onto out of contract rates. See our 4 questions to ask before renewing.
- Your supplier has gone bust. Ofgem appoints a new supplier, and you need to know who. Our Tomato Energy update shows how that works.
- You want quotes. A broker needs your supplier, MPAN or MPRN and contract end date to price your switch. Our guide to business energy contract types helps you choose what to ask for.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free way to find my energy supplier?
Yes. The ENA postcode tool and your network operator’s search are free for electricity, and Find My Supplier is free for gas.
Can I find my gas and electricity supplier in one place?
No. Gas uses Find My Supplier or the Meter Number Helpline. Electricity uses your network operator’s search.
What does MPAS stand for?
Meter Point Administration Service. It is the register of electricity meter points and their suppliers, run by each network operator.
Is MPAAS the same as MPAS?
Yes. MPAAS and MPASS are common misspellings of MPAS.
Can I use ECOES to find my supplier?
ECOES is built for industry users, though businesses can apply to register. The network operator’s search is usually quicker.
Is my DNO the same as my supplier?
No. The DNO owns the cables and handles power cuts. Your supplier sells you energy and bills you.
How do I find my MPAN without a bill?
Ask your network operator or current supplier, quoting your full business address.
Where do I find my MPRN?
On your gas bill, on Find My Supplier, or from the Meter Number Helpline.
Who is my supplier if I’ve just moved in?
The previous occupier’s supplier, usually on deemed rates. Check it and agree a contract quickly.
Can a broker find my suppliers for me?
Yes. With your permission, a broker can check your suppliers and meter numbers as part of a quote.
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Need help finding your supplier?
If you can’t find your supplier or meter numbers, or you’ve just moved into new premises, our team can check them for you and review your contract at the same time. Get in touch with the team, call 020 3597 5097, or get a business electricity quote.
