What is an MPAN?
The energy industry is so full of jargon and acronyms that even specialists find it hard to follow and understand sometimes. However, as part of our commitment to making energy simple, Drax is explaining some of the most common terms.
We’re starting with one of the most basic acronyms: MPAN or Meter Point Administration Number. Each MPAN identifies a unique electricity supply point, although it can apply to several meters – or to none at all when it’s an unmetered supply (e.g. a street lamp).
You can find your MPAN on your electricity bill, by contacting your electricity supplier, or by using this tool by UK Power Networks.
The industry also uses the term Supply Number or S-Number instead of MPAN (note the “S” that appears before the 6-part, 21-digit MPAN in the image below).
Profile Class (PC)
Used for non-half-hourly meters, the Profile Class indicates the expected level of electricity consumption for the site. Large half-hourly customers have a profile class of 00 and the other Class types are:
- Profile Class 01 – Domestic Unrestricted Customers
- Profile Class 02 – Domestic Economy 7 Customers
- Profile Class 03 – Non-Domestic Unrestricted Customers
- Profile Class 04 – Non-Domestic Economy 7 Customers
- Profile Class 05 – Non-Domestic Maximum Demand (MD) Customers with a Peak Load Factor (LF) of less than 20%
- Profile Class 06 – Non-Domestic MD Customers with a Peak LF between 20% and 30%
- Profile Class 07 – Non-Domestic MD Customers with a Peak LF between 30% and 40%
- Profile Class 08 – Non-Domestic MD Customers with a Peak LF over 40%
Meter Time Switch Code (MTSC)
This 3-digit reference code indicates how many registers (set of meter reads or dials) a meter has, and at what times they operate.
It may show a Single Rate, a Day/Night split, or a Seasonal Time of Day.
Line Loss Factor (LLF)
The Line Loss Factor identifies the expected costs of the Distribution Use of System (DUoS). The distribution company charges the supplier this amount to cover the cost of using the cables and network in a region, as well as for possible losses of energy.
Distributor ID
This identifies the local distribution company that manages and distributes your electricity supply. Great Britain has 12 distribution areas.
Meter Point ID Number
This is a unique identification number within a distribution area, used to recognise the metering point.
Check Digit
The industry uses these final numbers to validate the MPAN.
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