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A Guide to Your National Meter Identifier (NMI)
A Guide to Your National Meter Identifier (NMI)
Written by
Rachel Gregg
Edited by
Andrew Kemp
Reviewed by
Julia PaszkaCompare Electricity & Gas Plans
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Long story short
Your NMI is your home’s unique electricity connection ID
It links your address to the grid, so electricity retailers know which connection is yours and makes sure you’re accurately billed for your energy usage.
NMIs are needed for switching providers and accurate billing
Sharing your NMI with your new provider helps avoid any mix-ups and makes sure you’re not getting billed for usage at the wrong address.
Your NMI number stays with your property, not you
Move house and you’ll get a new NMI. Replace your meter and it should stay the same – unless your home is being built from scratch.
What is the national meter identifier (NMI)?
A national metering identifier (NMI) is a unique identification number for your home’s electricity connection. It’s not just the number on your meter; it’s how your retailer pinpoints your property within the energy market.
This unique number links to your supply address and makes sure that the right meter data is being pulled for your bill. Think of it as your power supply’s fingerprint; no two are the same.
It’s useful to know the difference between your MIRN and your NMI, as they can be easy to mix up. A meter identification reference number (MIRN) is basically the same as an NMI but for gas meters. It identifies your gas connection, not your electricity supply. While it’s called a MIRN in Qld, SA, VIC, and WA, it’s called a delivery point identifier (DPI) in NSW.
What is the NMI used for?
Your NMI is important when it comes to switching energy providers. While you technically don’t have to give it to your new provider, doing so could help you avoid mix-ups and ensure your bills are linked to the correct property.
Your NMI meter number is also a handy way to make sure your bills are accurate. Checking that the NMI listed on your bill details matches the one on your meter confirms that the usage you’re being charged is actually yours.
If you’ve just built your own home from the ground up and have a new connection, you’ll be issued an NMI before your new home can be connected to the electricity network. Your electrician can’t legally connect your home to the grid without it. If your home needs some electrical work, your electrician might also need your NMI to complete paperwork.
Helpful tip
If your home uses a controlled-load tariff for things like your hot water system or pool heater, you’ll still only have one NMI for the property. Even though the controlled load appears as an extra line on your bill, it’s tracked through the same connection point – just under a different data stream.
Julia Paszka
General Manager – Utilities & Credit Cards
How do I find my national meter identifier (NMI)?
Your NMI should appear on every electricity bill you receive and is usually found under the supply details.
Your NMI is typically a 10 or 11-character code. Most often, it’s just straight numbers, but some connections can be a mix of letters and numbers. In Queensland, NMIs usually start with two letters followed by nine numbers.
You can also find your NMI by logging in to your online account with your energy provider. It’s often found under your usage information section or in an ‘about your meter’ section.
Will my NMI ever change?
An NMI stays with the property, not those living there. That means if you move house and energy connection, you’ll have a different NMI for your new address. Even if your meter is replaced at the same address, the NMI should still stay the same. The only time it’s likely to change would be if your building is demolished and rebuilt with a completely new meter installation and connection to the grid.
Got your NMI? You’re ready to compare energy plans
Once you’ve got your NMI sorted, you’re one step closer to switching plans with confidence. And with iSelect, we can help streamline the process with our simple online comparison tool. Compare from a range of energy providers and plans with a click of a button, or you can call our energy comparison experts at 1800 664 532.
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