Check Your Energy Supplier UK Guide (Who Supplies My Gas and Electricity)

How to Find Your Energy Supplier

If you do not know who supplies your gas or electricity, there are several ways to find out. Check your energy bill — if you have a paper or digital bill, the supplier's name and logo are clearly displayed. The bill also shows your account number, tariff name, MPAN (electricity supply number — Meter Point Administration Number, a 21-digit number starting with 'S'), and MPRN (gas supply number — Meter Point Reference Number, a 6–10 digit number). Ask your landlord or letting agent — if you rent, your landlord or letting agent should know which suppliers serve the property. Check your bank statements — look for direct debit payments to an energy company. Contact the previous occupant — if you just moved in, the previous occupant or estate agent may know. Use the 'Find my supplier' service — the Energy Networks Association (for electricity) and National Grid (for gas) have online tools where you enter your postcode to identify the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for your area. From there, you can find which supplier you are with. Call the Meter Number Helpline — for electricity, call 0870 608 1524 or use the Energy Networks Association postcode finder (energynetworks.org). For gas, use the Find My Supplier tool on the National Grid website. If you have a prepayment meter, the supplier's name is usually printed on the meter itself or on the key/card you use to top up.

Understanding Your Energy Bill

Your energy bill contains important information about your supply and costs. Key elements: account number — unique to your account, used when contacting the supplier; tariff name — indicates whether you are on a standard variable tariff (SVT), fixed tariff, or Economy 7; MPAN and MPRN — unique identifiers for your electricity and gas supply points; unit rate (p/kWh) — the price per kilowatt hour of electricity and gas; standing charge (p/day) — the daily fixed fee for being connected; VAT (5%) — charged on the total energy cost; payment method — direct debit, standard credit, or prepayment; meter readings — actual or estimated readings for the billing period; estimated annual usage — the supplier's estimate of your annual kWh consumption; total amount due — the bill total and payment due date. Your bill also shows your current tariff's end date (if it is a fixed term) and exit fees if you leave early. If you do not recognise your tariff name or think you may be overpaying, compare your current rates with those on comparison websites. The cheapest tariffs are typically 5–15% below the Ofgem price cap. If your bill shows you are paying the cap rates (approximately 24.5p/kWh electricity, 6.0p/kWh gas, with 53p/31p standing charges in Q2 2026), you are on a standard variable tariff and could save by switching to a fix.

How to Contact Your Energy Supplier

Once you know who your supplier is, you can contact them for help, information, or to switch tariff. Major UK energy suppliers and their customer service numbers in 2026: British Gas — 0330 100 0056; Octopus Energy — 0808 164 1088; E.ON Next — 0808 501 5200; OVO Energy — 0330 102 7517; Scottish Power — 0345 272 0400; EDF Energy — 0333 200 5100; Ecotricity — 0345 555 7100; So Energy — 0800 975 1234; Utilita — 0345 207 2000; Utility Warehouse — 0333 777 0777. Most suppliers offer multiple contact methods: phone, web chat, email, and app-based support. Octopus Energy is known for its responsive in-app chat and email support. British Gas and E.ON Next offer extensive online account management. If you have a complaint that your supplier cannot resolve, you can escalate to the Energy Ombudsman (ombudsman-services.org) — a free, independent service. For general energy advice, contact Citizens Advice or visit gov.uk. If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, tell your supplier immediately. They are required under FCA rules to offer payment plans, hardship schemes, and signpost you to Warm Home Discount if eligible. An Energy Advice Grant may also be available through your local council or the British Gas Energy Trust.

What If I Just Moved Into a New Home?

When you move into a new home in the UK, you inherit the existing energy supply. The previous occupant's supplier continues to supply the property. You should: take a meter reading on move-in day — photograph the meter readings (gas and electricity) on the day you get the keys. Submit these readings to the supplier to ensure you only pay for energy you use, not the previous occupant's usage. Identify the supplier — ask the estate agent, letting agent, or previous occupant. If you cannot find out, use the tools described above. Contact the supplier — set up an account in your name. Provide your meter readings and bank details for direct debit. Check the tariff — you will be placed on the supplier's standard variable tariff (SVT) by default, which is covered by the price cap. You can stay on this or switch to a cheaper fixed tariff. Consider switching — as a new customer, you are free to switch to any supplier at any time (there are no exit fees on SVT). Use comparison websites to find the best deal for your new home. Update the Energy Register — your supplier registers you as the new occupier. This does not affect your credit score directly, but having an energy account in your name can help build your credit history if you pay on time. If you move into a new build property, the developer may have arranged a temporary supply from a specific supplier, which you need to take over or switch.

Rights and Protections for Energy Customers

Energy customers in the UK have strong rights and protections. Right to clear information — your supplier must provide clear bills showing unit rates, standing charges, and consumption. Right to switch — you can switch suppliers at any time. If you are on SVT, there are no exit fees. Fixed tariff exit fees are capped by Ofgem at £25–£50 per fuel. Right to a payment plan — if you are struggling to pay, your supplier must offer a payment plan you can afford. Right to cooling-off — you have 14 days to cancel a new energy contract. Priority Services Register (PSR) — if you are of pensionable age, have a disability, or have a chronic health condition, you can register for free priority services: advance notice of planned power cuts, priority reconnection, annual gas safety check, and free meter reading service. Warm Home Discount — a £150 rebate on electricity bills for eligible pensioners and low-income households. Energy Ombudsman — if your supplier cannot resolve a complaint within 8 weeks, you can take it to the Ombudsman for free. Ofgem — the regulator sets the price cap and ensures suppliers follow the rules. You can report a supplier to Ofgem if you believe they are not complying with regulations. FSCS protection — if your supplier goes bust (as happened to many in 2021–2022), Ofgem's Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) process transfers your account to a new supplier automatically. Your credit balance is protected.

FAQs

How do I find who supplies my gas and electricity?

Check your energy bill for the supplier name, or use the Energy Networks Association website for electricity and the National Grid website for gas. You can also call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524 for electricity supply information.

Can I have different suppliers for gas and electricity?

Yes. You can have separate suppliers for gas and electricity. Many households choose a single dual-fuel supplier for convenience and potential discounts, but having two suppliers can sometimes get you the best individual rates for each fuel.

Do I need to tell my energy supplier when I move in?

Yes. Contact the existing supplier as soon as possible after moving in. Provide your meter readings from move-in day, set up an account in your name, and arrange a payment method. This ensures you only pay for energy you use.

What is my MPAN number and where do I find it?

Your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is a 21-digit number that uniquely identifies your electricity supply point. It starts with 'S' and is found on your energy bill. You need it when switching suppliers or moving home. For gas, the equivalent is MPRN (6–10 digits).

Can I check my energy supplier online for free?

Yes. The Energy Networks Association website has a free postcode checker to identify your electricity Distribution Network Operator, from which you can determine your supplier. The National Grid has a similar tool for gas. No charge applies for these services.