An MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number), also called a Gas Point Reference Number or Meter Point Number, is a unique numerical identifier assigned to a specific gas supply point or meter location in the gas distribution network. It is used in several countries, including the UK and Ireland, to identify exactly where a gas meter is physically connected, similar to how an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) identifies an electricity supply point.
The MPRN is typically a string of digits (often up to 10-11 numbers, though format can vary by country/network) and is tied to the physical property or meter location itself, not to the customer or the gas supplier. This means the MPRN stays the same even if you switch gas suppliers or if a new occupant moves into the property.
You can usually find your MPRN in several places:
- On a recent gas bill, often near the top or in a section labeled "meter details" or "supply details"
- By contacting your gas supplier or network operator directly
- Sometimes printed on or near the physical gas meter itself
- Through your country's gas network operator's website or an online lookup tool designed for this purpose
The MPRN is essential for several practical purposes:
- Switching gas suppliers, since the new supplier needs it to identify which meter to bill
- Reporting faults, leaks, or supply issues to the correct network operator
- Setting up a new gas connection or moving to a new property
- Resolving billing disputes by confirming which meter and address are being referenced
It's worth noting that the exact terminology and format can differ by country. In some regions, similar identifiers may be called a "Gas Supply Point Number," "GPRN," or another local term, though the underlying purpose — uniquely identifying a gas meter's location — remains consistent.