The EAN code is linked to a place and not a person
There is a unique, 18-figure EAN code for each supply point and for each form of energy. So if you are a customer for electricity and for natural gas, you will have 2 EAN codes.
To find out your codes, simply consult your energy bill. Don't have a bill to hand? Find out where to find your EAN code.
The EAN code is your meter number
The EAN code is not the same as the meter number:
- The EAN code identifies a supply point.
- The meter number identifies an appliance, i.e. the meter.
A new meter has a different number than the one it replaces. However, the EAN code does not change, given that the supply point remains the same.
The EAN code can only change if the gas or electricity installation is completely renewed. In that case, your network operator will give you the new number.
EAN codes: useful if you move house
- These codes are not linked to you but to the supply point at a specific address. So they are not customer numbers. When you move house, you do not take these codes with you, as you do a registration number when you buy another car.
- As the EAN codes remain linked to the supply points, you have to ask the previous occupier of your new home to let you have the relevant EAN codes. (See also : What do I have to do if I move house?)
- You, in turn, also have to pass on the EAN codes of your old house or apartment to the new occupier. In fact, everyone has to give their new EAN codes to their energy supplier.
Good to know
On many consumer products, next to the barcode, there is an 8- or 13-digit EAN code. If it starts with 54, it means that the company obtained its barcode in Belgium or Luxembourg. This indicates that the company's headquarters are located there (but not necessarily that the product was manufactured there).
The same principle applies to your EAN numbers, but with 18 digits. 54 stands for Belgium. 144 indicates that it is the energy sector. And the next 2 digits indicate where the supply point is located. For example: