A Meter Point Administration Number is a code which identifies your supply or export point. It acts as an address for your electricity flow. Although the name suggests that an MPAN refers to a particular meter, an MPAN can actually have several meters associated with it, or even no meters in the case of unmetered supplies.
The MPAN system was introduced in 1998 to aid creation of a competitive environment for electricity supply companies, and makes it easier for consumers to switch supplier as well as simplifying administration. On your invoicing, it typically is presented in a layout similar to the below:
In most cases, you’ll only be working with your MPAN Core and discussing that. The core is the final 13 digits of the MPAN, the bottom line, and uniquely identifies an exit point. It consists of:
- a two-digit Distributor ID,
- an eight-digit unique identifier,
- then two digits and a single check digit.
The two-digit Distributor ID is a code which tells us which DNO or IDNO your MPAN is supplied by. District Network Operators initially formed out of regional electricity companies’ distribution arms. There are fourteen of these with distinct operational regions as shown on the map below. 
Independent Distribution Network Operators, these operate in the same market as DNOs but are not regionally-bound in their operation. DNOs or IDNOs are responsible for allocating MPANs to supply point locations, they create your MPAN for you.
Distribution network operator – Wikipedia
The final digit in the MPAN is the check digit, and validates the previous 12 to ensure that the MPAN is valid using a modulus 11 test. The check digit is calculated thus:
- Multiply the first digit by 3
- Multiply the second digit by the next prime number (5)
- Repeat this for each digit (missing 11 out on the list of prime numbers for the purposes of this algorithm)
- Add up all these products
- The check digit is modulo 11, modulo 10.
In our next article we will go into detail on what we can learn from the top row of your MPAN.
