You likely know who suppliers the gas and electricity to your current property. You likely arranged the contract with the energy suppliers – although perhaps years ago – and you’re receiving bills from them.
But if you’ve just moved home, you might not know which energy firm is supplying the electricity that’s lighting your rooms and the gas that’s heating your water. And you’ll need to find out sooner rather than later. It’s crucial to give the current supplier a meter reading as soon as you move in, to ensure you’re only charged for the energy you personally use.
Here’s how to identify a property’s energy suppliers:
In all likelihood you know who’s supplying energy to your current property. If not, you’ll soon be reminded by a bill coming through the door.
But if you’ve just moved into a new property, you might not know the supplier. The estate agent, previous occupant, or landlord of the property may be able to give you this information. If not, you’ll need to find out on your own.
You’ll need to do this as soon as possible. You’ll want to give the suppliers a meter reading, taken the day you move in, so you’re only charged for the energy you consume, not that used by the previous resident.
You’ll also be on what is known as a deemed contract with the old occupant’s supplier and will be charged an expensive per-unit rate for energy. You should compare energy and seek out a new deal, likely with a new supplier, as soon as possible to avoid being overcharged.
Be aware that while many residential properties have the same supplier for electricity and gas, if the previous tenant didn’t have a dual fuel tariff, you’ll need to identify two separate suppliers.
To find out a property’s electricity supplier, contact your regional Distribution Network Operator (DNO), the company that owns and maintains the electricity grid in your area. Phone them and ask for their Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS). If you supply your postcode and address, they’ll be able to tell you the current electricity supplier for your property. They’ll also be able to tell you the property’s MPAN, or Meter Point Administration Number, the unique reference code for your electricity supply point, which you may need to switch energy supplier.
Below is a list of the Distribution Network Operators by region and their contact numbers:
| Region | Electricity Distribution Company | Number |
| North Scotland | Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks | 0800 048 3515 |
| Central and Southern Scotland | SP Energy Networks | 0330 1010 300 |
| North East England and Yorkshire | Northern Powergrid | 0800 011 3332 |
| North West England | Electricity North West | 0800 195 4141 |
| Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales & North Shropshire | SP Energy Networks | 0330 1010 300 |
| East Midlands & West Midlands | Western Power Distribution | 0800 096 3080 |
| South Wales & South West England | Western Power Distribution | 0800 096 3080 |
| London, South East England & Eastern England | UK Power Networks | 0800 029 4285 |
| Southern England | Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks | 0800 048 3516 |
| Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Electricity Networks | 03457 643 643 |
To determine who supplies the gas to a property, you’ll first need to find the gas meter. On it, you’ll find the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), the unique six- to 10-digit gas supply reference code. Write down this number and phone the National Grid’s Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524. If you give them this number, they’ll be able to tell you the current gas supplier for a property.
If you’re having trouble finding the MPRN on the meter – it’s different from the meter serial number – the staff on the helpline should be able to guide you.