Learn your little-known meter numbers to avoid accidental ‘killer’ bills
Energy experts are urging homeowners to ‘Know your Number’ when it comes to gas and electric meters to guard against potential bill mix-ups.
Residents across the UK can sometimes accidentally fall foul of receiving sky-high utility invoices, says money.co.uk - when they know they have definitely not consumed that much energy.
The discrepancy occurs when a utility company sends the wrong bill to the wrong home. Industry insiders say the problem is more common than many people think.
But learning unique numbers of your meters can help you stay one step ahead when it comes to managing your energy use.
There are two all-important numbers to look out for - an MPAN number identifies your electricity meter and an MPRN number is for your gas meter.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert from money.co.uk said: “As part of good money management, people want to keep on top of their payments and regularly look out for the best deals for savings and energy.
But what do you do if you receive a monthly or quarterly invoice from your gas or electric company for a huge sum which is clearly incorrect?
“There’s no need to panic, but we’d say it’s best to pick this up immediately with your energy supplier to investigate.
There could be something wrong with the meter, a reading has been taken incorrectly - or that perhaps you have been sent the wrong bill in error.
“We encourage people to Know Your Number - learning the MPAN and MPRN unique to your electric and gas meters, can help give you a head start when trying to find out what has gone wrong.”
Ben adds homeowners and landlords may also be asked for these numbers when trying to switch energy suppliers or move home.
Knowing these numbers can help ensure that people are not on a default or standard tariff longer than necessary if they are moving home and can help to smoothly switch energy suppliers - meaning more money saved.
How to find the MPAN and MPRN numbers and what they mean?
- MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration Number and is for electricity meters. It’s also known as a supply number of S number and is usually a unique 21-digit (sometimes 13-digit) reference number to identify individual electricity supply points. It is usually found on your electric bill or on the meter itself. The numbers are split into various denoting factors about the property including profile class, number of registers within the meter, and codes related to the distribution network including the company responsible for the management of wires delivering electricity into the home.
- MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number and is for the gas network. It is sometimes also called the supply number, an M number or endpoint. It is usually between six and 10 digits long and is likely to be written on your physical gas meter and also on your gas bill. There is a unique MPRN for every gas meter in every building. If the MPRN number begins with 74 or 75 it could indicate the property has been piped by an independent gas transporter.
Utility companies should be able to advise homeowners how to find their respective gas and electric meter serial numbers if they are not immediately visible. For more energy saving tips, visit: www.money.co.uk/energy.htm
