While you won’t need to memorise your number, knowing the basics about NMIs and where to find yours will help you switch electricity retailers and make managing your bills online simpler. In this article, Canstar Blue covers everything you need to know about the NMI.
On this page:
What is the National Metering Identifier?
The NMI is a unique 10 or 11-digit number given out to every electricity connection in Australia. The number helps match properties with their energy account, ensuring that you don’t get billed for someone else’s power usage.
Properties receive one NMI per connected meter. Therefore, if you operate a farm, business, shed, pumps or other sites that have separate metering, you will receive multiple NMIs.
Why is the NMI number important?
The NMI is needed to identify your connection and collect meter usage data. You may will also need a NMI if you are:
- Requesting electrical connection works at your property
- Switching electricity retailers
- Submitting your own meter read
While a NMI can speed-up the process of switching retailers, it usually won’t be necessary. If you want to change to a new electricity company, they can usually find your NMI themselves once they know your supply address.
Where do I find my NMI?
You can find your NMI on your electricity bill. It will usually be found in the top left hand corner on the last page of your power bill with the technical breakdown of your bill. See the example bill below.
If you don’t have a copy of your power bill handy, contact your electricity retailer and they can help you find your NMI.
Will my NMI change?
It is important to understand that your NMI does not identify you as a customer, it identifies your electricity meter. This means that your NMI will change if you move house or if you demolish your connection and later reconnect. If you’re building a new house with a new connection, then you will need to contact your retailer for a new meter and NMI.
Your NMI will not change, however, if you’re simply upgrading your electricity meter or your meter has been disconnected.
What is a MIRN?
A MIRN stands for Meter Identification Reference Number. In some states, this may instead be referred to as a Delivery Point Identifier, or DPI. A MIRN or DPI is a 10 or 11-digit number that operates similarly to the NMI, albeit for natural gas customers.
The MIRN identifies a customer’s natural gas meter and is needed to organise gas connection works on your property. Again, it is useful, but not necessary, to have your MIRN handy if you’re switching gas companies. Like the NMI, you can find your MIRN or DPI on your natural gas bill. Alternatively, you can contact your gas company and they can help you find your MIRN.
Compare Electricity Providers
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Share this article