A Simple Guide to MPANs (Meter Point Administration Numbers) for Energy Generators in 2026
If you’re generating electricity, whether through solar panels, wind turbines, anaerobic digestion or another source, then you’ll need an export MPAN to ensure you can send power back to the grid and get paid for it. This guide will help you understand what an MPAN is, why export MPANs are essential for generators, and how they differ from import MPANs used for everyday electricity consumption.
What is an MPAN?
MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration Number. It’s a unique identifier for a specific electricity connection point in the UK. There are two types of MPANs. An Export MPAN, which is used when you're generating electricity and exporting it to the grid whereas an import MPAN is used when you're consuming elecricity from the grid, in a home or a business.
So whether you're a home generator with rooftop solar panels or a business running a renewable energy installation, if you're sending electricity back to the grid, you'll need an export MPAN to get properly registered, metered, and compensated. You'll also need your export MPAN to access instant PPA quotes from ExportMyEnergy's PPA platform.
Why Export MPANs Matter
Export MPANs are crucial for anyone producing electricity who wants to participate in schemes like:
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- Grid balancing or ancillary services
These programs require precise tracking of how much electricity you export and that’s exactly what your export MPAN enables. It ensures the energy you generate is attributed to you, not your neighbour, and allows your supplier to calculate payments correctly.
What Does an MPAN Look Like?
An export MPAN, like an import one, includes a 13-digit “core” number used to identify your meter point. Here is an example format:
12 3456 7891 011
The structure of an import and export MPAN is the same, the numbers will just mean different things to suppliers. Whilst your export MPAN is for power sent back to the grid, most premises also have an import MPAN to track electricity you use from the grid. This is the number most households are familiar with as it is printed on your electricity bill under labels like “Supply Number” or “MPAN".
How to Read Your MPAN
Knowing the mean of most the numbers on your MPAN will not be of use to you as a home owner or even as an energy generator, they will only be relevent to those needing to locate your energy supply. However, there are few numbers on the MPAN that could be of use to you as an energy generator, especially if you're trying to take part in Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) as your meter needs to be be capable of half-hourly readings for this. If the profile class is 00 then that means you have a half-hourly meter, if the profile class is 03 or 04 that means it is not a half-hourly meter. If you need to find your DNO, then you can figure this out with the Distributor ID number which runs between 10-23 with each number corresponding to a different DNO region.
Use the table below to find your DNO.
| Distributor ID Number | Region | Distribution Network Operator (DNO) |
| 10 | East England | Eastern Power Networks |
| 11 | East Midlands | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
| 12 | London | London Power Networks |
| 13 | Merseyside, Cheshire & North Wales | SP Manweb |
| 14 | West Midlands | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
| 15 | North East England | Northern Powergrid |
| 16 | North West England | Electricity North West |
| 17 | North Scotland | Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution |
| 18 | South Scotland | SP Distribution |
| 19 | South East England | South Eastern Power Networks |
| 20 | South England | Southern Electric Power Distribution |
| 21 | South Wales | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
| 22 | South West England | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
| 23 | Yorkshire | Northern Powergrid |
Where Can You Find Your MPANs?
Both import and export MPANs are typically available on your electricity bill, export invoice or you can call your supplier to request the number. Alternatively, if you are unsure or having trouble finding your MPANs then you can contact your Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Why MPANs Are Important
Having accurate MPANs is essential for:
- Getting paid for exported energy – Without an export MPAN, your generation can’t be tracked or compensated properly.
- Energy account management – Whether you're switching suppliers or resolving billing, MPANs prevent errors.
- Compliance and grid registration – DNOs and Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) rely on these numbers for accurate energy accounting.
FAQs about MPANs
Is an MPAN the same as a meter serial number?
No. The MPAN is a reference used in energy systems and billing. The meter serial number is printed on your physical meter.
Do I need both an import and export MPAN?
Yes, if you generate electricity and still use energy from the grid, you’ll have both and they are managed separately.
Does my export MPAN change when I switch suppliers?
No, the MPAN is unique to your supply and connection, regardless of who your supplier is.
What’s the difference between MPAN and MPRN?
MPAN is for electricity (import or export). MPRN is the gas equivalent.
Final Tip:
If you're generating electricity, keep your export MPAN in a safe place alongside your import MPAN. When you sign up for ExportMyEnergy to receive instant PPA prices from top suppliers, we store this information for you so you can refer back to it whenever you need it. You'll thank us later as it is essential for ensuring you are paid for your green energy and for keeping everything running smoothly with your energy provider.