Frequently Asked Questions

Even though there is no physical meter for an unmetered supply, all electricity supplied from a distribution network is allocated an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number).  With unmetered supplies there is a pseudo rather than physical meter.  The major difference is that one unmetered MPAN can cover multiple connection points.  On a new development this could be all the street lighting on the estate, or in the case of a Highway Authority it could be all the highway lighting throughout the county.

The UMSO will create the MPAN, issue an UMS Certificate and notify the customer so that they can contact their chosen electricity supplier to agree contract terms for the unmetered electricity supply. The energy supplier will then register the MPAN which formalises the unmetered electricity supply and allows electricity use. The MPAN should be registered prior to any unmetered equipment being physically connected.

If there is a fault with the unmetered equipment itself (e.g. lamp failed), then this should be resolved by the developer until adopted by the Highway Authority.  If the electricity supply has failed or there is immediate danger, then this should be reported as a fault.

As part of the planning process the Highway Authority and developer should have agreed who will adopt street furniture on a new development.  

In some cases, a parish/community council or residents company may take on the responsibility for unmetered equipment in a park or similar location.  The contact details for the enduring organisation should be passed to the UMSO.

All new unmetered MPANs are required to be settled on a half hourly basis from April 2024. All existing non-half hourly MPANs are expected to be changed to half hourly during 2024. This is in preparation of the introduction of Marketwide Half Hourly Settlement in 2025.