How to find out who supplies your electricity
To find out who your electricity supplier is, call 105 from any UK phone and ask to be put through to your Distribution Network Operator, who can look up the current supplier for your postcode. If you prefer not to call, you can check any paperwork left in the property, inspect the prepayment key if there is one, or look up your MPAN - the unique 21-digit number identifying your electricity supply point.
When you move in, knowing who supplies your electricity is the first step to opening an account, giving an opening meter reading, and avoiding being placed on a deemed contract - usually the most expensive tariff a supplier offers. The sooner you identify the supplier, the sooner you can switch to a better deal.
- Call 105 - the national free enquiry line will route you to your regional Distribution Network Operator, who can tell you the current registered supplier for the address.
- Check old bills or letters - previous occupants often leave recent bills in kitchen drawers, by the meter, or in the post. A bill from the last 12 months is the quickest proof.
- Look at the prepayment key - if the property has a prepayment meter, the existing key or card may show the supplier's logo. This is a clue, not a guarantee, as keys can stay behind after a switch.
- Find your MPAN - your Meter Point Administration Number identifies the supply point and lets any supplier look up who currently bills it.
- Call Selectra - we can identify your supplier and set up your electricity, gas and broadband in a single call.
Finding and reading your electricity meter
Your electricity meter is usually a white box with a digital or mechanical display and two cables entering from the base. It is most often found in the entrance hall, inside a cupboard, under the stairs, or in a box on the outside wall of the property. Taking a reading on the day you move in is essential so your opening bill reflects only the electricity you actually use.
UK homes typically have one of three meter types: a credit meter (billed monthly or quarterly), a prepayment meter with a key or card slot, or a smart meter that sends readings automatically. If you have a prepayment meter and want to move to direct debit, our guide on switching from prepayment to direct debit explains the process step by step.
Common places to find the meter
- Entrance hall, porch or hallway cupboard
- Under the stairs or in a utility room
- Kitchen cupboards, often near the fuse box
- Outside the property, in a sealed white box on the wall
- Next to the gas meter, if the property has a gas supply
Once you find the meter, write down the meter reading (the row of numbers on the display) and the Meter Serial Number (MSN) printed on the front or side of the unit. Both are needed by a supplier to confirm the meter belongs to your address and to open your account accurately.
Who is my Distribution Network Operator (DNO)?
Your Distribution Network Operator is the company that owns and maintains the power lines delivering electricity to your home. You cannot choose your DNO - it is determined by your postcode, and there are six DNOs covering fourteen licence areas across Great Britain. Calling your DNO is the most reliable way to identify your current supplier because they maintain the central register of which supplier is responsible for every MPAN.
When you ring your DNO, have your full postcode and house number ready. Ask for the current electricity supplier and, while you are on the line, request your MPAN - a 21-digit number starting with "S" that uniquely identifies your supply point. You will need it if you ever switch supplier or have a query about a fault.
| Region | DNO |
|---|---|
| London, South East, Eastern England | UK Power Networks |
| North East England, Yorkshire | Northern Powergrid |
| Central and Southern Scotland, Central Southern England | SSEN |
| North Scotland | SSEN (Hydro) |
| West Midlands, North West, Merseyside, North and Mid Wales | SP Energy Networks |
| East Midlands, South Wales, South West England | National Grid Electricity Distribution |
The national free enquiry number 105 connects you automatically to the DNO covering your postcode.
What is the MPAN and where do I find it?
The Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN), often called the supply number, is a 21-digit code that uniquely identifies the point at which electricity enters your property. It is not printed on the meter itself - instead, you will find it on any electricity bill, usually inside a grid-shaped box labelled "Supply Number" or "S" followed by three rows of digits.
If no bill is available, your DNO can provide the MPAN over the phone. Keep it safe: you will be asked for it whenever you switch supplier, report a fault, or request a meter upgrade. For gas, the equivalent identifier is the MPRN.
Should I switch supplier after moving in?
After you identify the current supplier, you are free to switch to a cheaper or greener tariff - you do not have to stay on the deemed contract the previous occupant left behind. Switching typically takes around five working days under Ofgem's rules, with no interruption to your supply, and you can compare live tariffs on our electricity comparison page.
Before switching, it is worth checking today's electricity prices and your expected usage in the new property. If you have moved from a larger home, your consumption may be significantly lower and a different tariff type (for example a fixed deal or an Economy 7 tariff) could suit you better.
Advantages
- Lock in a fixed rate below the standard variable tariff
- Choose a greener, 100% renewable tariff if that matters to you
- Align billing cycles and payment methods with your budget
- Move away from an expensive deemed contract quickly
Disadvantages
- Some fixed tariffs include early exit fees if you move again
- Prepayment meters limit your tariff choice until you switch meter type
- You must provide accurate opening and switching meter readings
Who is my electricity supplier for business premises?
Finding the electricity supplier for a new business property follows the same process as for a home: call 105 for your DNO, check old bills, or locate the MPAN on previous paperwork. The difference lies in the contract - business electricity tariffs are bespoke, negotiated individually with each supplier, and business customers do not benefit from the Ofgem domestic switching guarantee of around five working days.
If your new premises has three-phase power (common in workshops, restaurants and larger offices), read our guide on the three-phase business meter before requesting quotes. A Selectra business adviser can identify your supplier and arrange quotes from multiple providers in one call.
Frequently asked questions
Next steps after moving in
Once you know who supplies your new home, take an opening meter reading, open an account in your name, and compare the market to see whether a better tariff is available. If the property also uses gas, repeat the process for your MPRN, and remember to arrange a new connection if the address is brand new.