When you switch energy supplier, your new supplier needs to register the transfer on the national energy networks. For electricity, they use your MPAN. For gas, they use your MPRN. Without the correct MPRN, a gas switch cannot be completed. This guide explains what it is, where to find it, and what to do if it is not immediately obvious on your bill.
What an MPRN is and why it exists
MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number. It is a unique 10-digit identifier assigned to each individual gas supply point in the UK. Every property connected to the gas network has one MPRN. That number stays the same regardless of which supplier you are with. When you switch from British Gas to Octopus Energy, your MPRN does not change. The number follows the physical supply point at your property address, not the account or the supplier.
Think of the MPRN as the postcode for your gas meter. Just as a postcode identifies a physical location, your MPRN identifies your specific gas connection on the national distribution network. The national gas network uses it to route billing, meter readings, and supply registration data to the correct address.
The MPRN system exists because millions of properties are on the UK gas network and each one needs a reliable, unique reference that survives supplier changes, tenancy changes, and property renovations. The MPRN is permanent. It is registered with Xoserve, the company that manages the UK gas data infrastructure on behalf of the network.
The difference between MPRN (gas) and MPAN (electricity)
These two numbers are frequently confused. They serve the same purpose on their respective networks but they are distinct numbers with different formats.
The MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is your electricity identifier. It is 13 to 21 digits long, often starts with the letter S, and sometimes appears inside a grid pattern on older electricity bills. It is sometimes called the "S-number" or "supply number."
The MPRN is your gas identifier. It is exactly 10 digits. It does not start with a letter. It has no grid format. It is typically labelled "MPRN" or "meter point reference number" on your gas bill.
If you have a dual-fuel account (electricity and gas from the same supplier), your bill may show both numbers. Look carefully at the labels rather than the format, as they can look similar at a glance.
For switching to Octopus Agile specifically, you need only your MPAN. Octopus Agile is an electricity-only tariff. Your MPRN is not required unless you are also switching your gas supply to a different tariff or supplier at the same time. Many Agile customers keep their existing gas deal and switch only electricity, which is a perfectly valid approach.
Our guide on what information you need to switch energy supplier covers both numbers in the context of a complete switch.
Where to find your MPRN
Your MPRN appears in several places. The most reliable is your gas bill.
On your gas bill: Look for a section labelled "account details," "supply details," or "meter details." The MPRN is typically printed near your address or your meter serial number. It will be labelled "MPRN," "meter point reference number," or occasionally "meter reference." The number itself is 10 digits and looks like this: 1234567890. Some suppliers abbreviate it as "M/Ref" on older bill formats.
In your online account: Log in to your current supplier's website or app. Navigate to "account details," "my meters," or a similar section. Your MPRN should be listed alongside your meter serial number and your MPAN (if you are a dual-fuel customer).
On the gas meter itself: Some installations show the MPRN on a sticker on the meter body. This is more common on newer meter installations. Look for a label that says "MPRN" on the front or side of the meter. Not all meters display this, but it is worth checking if you have easy access to your meter.
From your new supplier: If you start the switching process on the Octopus sign-up page, Octopus can sometimes retrieve your MPRN automatically from the national database using your address and postcode. This works in many cases, particularly for properties with a clean registration history. If automatic retrieval fails, you will be prompted to enter the number manually.
What to do if you cannot find your MPRN
If you have searched your bills, your online account, and your meter without success, there are two reliable options.
Call your current gas supplier. Give them your name and address. They are legally required to provide your MPRN when asked. Have a pen ready. The call takes about two minutes.
Use the Xoserve finder tool. Xoserve manages the UK gas data infrastructure. Their website at xoserve.com includes a lookup tool where you can search for your MPRN by address. This is a publicly available tool designed for exactly this situation. Enter your postcode and house number and the MPRN should appear.
Do not switch energy supplier using a guessed or incorrect MPRN. The number must match the national database exactly. An incorrect MPRN causes the registration to fail and delays the switch. Always verify the number before submitting a switch application.
Why energy suppliers ask for it
When you switch gas supplier, your new supplier submits a transfer request to Xoserve using your MPRN. Xoserve then notifies your current supplier, coordinates the meter handover date, and updates the national register to show your new supplier as the responsible party for your gas supply.
Without your MPRN, Xoserve cannot process the transfer. The MPRN is the key that links your address to the national gas network database. Your new supplier cannot complete the switch without it, regardless of how much other information they have about you.
The process runs in the background without any action required from you beyond providing the number at the start. The Ofgem standard switching time is 17 working days from when the switch is initiated. During this time, your gas supply continues uninterrupted. You will not notice the switch happening. Your first bill from the new supplier will reflect usage from the switch date onward.
Once your switch is complete, keep your MPRN noted somewhere accessible. You will need it again the next time you switch gas supplier. Some people store it with their home documents. Others keep a note of it in their phone contacts alongside their MPAN.
If you are ready to switch electricity to Agile and want to check what prices look like in your area, visit AgileAlert's live price dashboard to see real-time rates for your DNO region. Understanding what you would pay on Agile is the clearest way to calculate your potential saving before you commit to switching.