What are AQ, EAC, MPAN and MPRN?
By Qazi Shahroz
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AQ and EAC are estimates of a site's yearly gas and electricity use. MPAN and MPRN are the reference numbers that identify an electricity or gas supply point. Suppliers need these to price a business energy quote, and most appear on a recent bill. This guide also explains CED, the contract end date, and TPI, the term for brokers.
AQ: annual quantity
AQ, annual quantity, is the industry's estimate of how much gas a supply point uses in a year, measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). Gas suppliers use it to price a quote.
The AQ is calculated from meter readings over time, so it changes as readings come in. Recent actual readings make it more accurate. A business that has moved premises, changed opening hours or installed new equipment may have an AQ that no longer reflects its real use.
Illustrative example: a café with an AQ of 40,000 kWh would be priced on that yearly figure. If it has recently added a second oven, its real use may be higher, which is worth mentioning when you quote.
You'll usually find the AQ on a gas bill or renewal letter, sometimes labelled as annual or estimated annual consumption.
EAC: estimated annual consumption
EAC, estimated annual consumption, is the industry's estimate of how much electricity a supply point uses in a year, in kWh. Electricity suppliers use it, alongside the meter type, to price a quote.
Like the AQ, the EAC is based on meter readings and is updated over time. Sites with half-hourly meters have detailed usage data; most small sites have a single yearly estimate.
Illustrative example: an office with an EAC of 25,000 kWh on a day-and-night meter would be quoted on that usage, split between day and night rates.
The EAC usually appears on an electricity bill or renewal letter. If it is missing, ask the business for its last year of bills or permission to request the data from its supplier.
MPAN: meter point administration number
The MPAN is the unique number that identifies an electricity supply point. It is printed on electricity bills, often in a box of numbers starting with an S.
The full MPAN has a top line with details such as the profile class and meter type, and a core of 13 digits that identifies the supply point. Suppliers use the MPAN to look up the meter and price the right supply.
Illustrative example: a shop with two electricity meters will have two MPANs, and each may need its own quote.
MPRN: meter point reference number
The MPRN is the unique number that identifies a gas supply point. It is usually between 6 and 10 digits long and printed on gas bills.
Suppliers use the MPRN to find the gas supply and its AQ. If the business has more than one gas meter, each has its own MPRN.
Illustrative example: a care home with a main boiler house and a separate kitchen meter may have two MPRNs.
Where to find each term on a bill
Most business bills show the supply numbers, the yearly usage estimate and the supplier on the first or second page, often in a box labelled supply details or meter information.
On an electricity bill, look for the MPAN in a grid of numbers, often starting with an S, and the EAC or estimated annual consumption near the usage summary. On a gas bill, look for the MPRN, sometimes called the meter point reference, and the AQ or annual quantity.
The contract end date is not always on the bill. It may be in the renewal letter, the original contract or the supplier's online account. If the owner can't find it, ask for a letter of authority so you can check with the supplier.
Illustrative example: an owner reads you the MPAN, the EAC and the supplier from page two of a bill in under a minute, but has to find last year's renewal letter for the end date. Ask them to send a photo of both pages so nothing is mistyped.
CED and TPI
CED means contract end date, the date the current energy contract finishes. TPI means third-party intermediary, the formal term for an energy broker or consultant.
The CED decides when a business can move without leaving a contract early. Our leads don't include it, because many owners don't know it and a longer form loses enquiries, so ask for it on the first call or check it with a letter of authority.
TPI covers brokers, consultants and comparison services that arrange energy contracts for businesses. The government has said Ofgem will regulate TPIs once parliamentary time allows; no start date is set.
How these terms affect quoting
Suppliers price on the supply point and its usage, so they need the MPAN or MPRN and the EAC or AQ. The CED tells you when the quote can take effect.
The quickest way to collect everything is a recent bill. It shows the supplier, the supply numbers, the usage and often the contract end date in one place. Ask for it on the first call, or ask the owner to read the details while you are on the phone.
Our leads give you the business, contact, supplier, utility and monthly bill band, so you know roughly what size of account you are calling before you ask for the detail.
Next, read our guide to selling business energy.