Applications have opened for a new government scheme designed to reduce electricity costs for thousands of manufacturers across Great Britain.
The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) opened for applications on 1 October 2026. More than 10,000 manufacturing businesses could benefit from the support, with eligible firms able to cut electricity costs by up to 25%.
The first application window closes at 11:59 pm on 30 November 2026. Businesses seeking support in the first year should therefore review their eligibility and documents without delay.
New Electricity Relief Could Reduce Manufacturing Costs
BICS is designed to reduce some of the policy-related costs included in electricity bills.
Eligible electricity use will receive relief from costs linked to the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and Capacity Market.
The government estimates that eligible manufacturers could save around £35 to £40 per MWh. The final percentage saving will depend on the electricity price paid by each business.
Relief from Renewables Obligation and Feed-in Tariff costs will begin in April 2027. Capacity Market relief will follow in October 2027.
Eligibility Depends on Business Activity and Electricity Use
The scheme is available to qualifying manufacturers in England, Scotland and Wales. Businesses must be registered with Companies House and operate under an eligible Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code.
They must also manufacture products that fall within the relevant Harmonised System (HS) codes. Qualifying manufacturing sites must also meet the scheme’s minimum electricity use requirement.
This means manufacturing activity alone does not guarantee eligibility. The government has also introduced a BICS Eligibility Checker. Businesses can use it to get an early indication of whether they may qualify. However, the checker does not provide final approval.
Strong Supporting Evidence Will Be Essential
Businesses applying for BICS will need to provide clear evidence about their manufacturing activity and electricity use.
This may include electricity bills, site information, MPAN details and records showing which products are manufactured at each location.
Electricity records must normally cover the most recent 6 consecutive months available within the previous 12 months.
Businesses should check all information carefully before submission. Government guidance states that an application cannot be amended after it has been submitted. Incomplete or inaccurate information could therefore affect the outcome.
Existing Energy Support Must Be Reviewed Carefully
Businesses already receiving support through the British Industry Supercharger may still be able to apply for BICS. However, the same electricity use cannot receive duplicate relief under both schemes.
Companies already receiving energy support should therefore review how their existing arrangements interact with BICS before making any changes. This is especially important where part of a site’s electricity use is already covered by another form of support.
Manufacturers Should Prepare Before the November Deadline
Businesses should begin by checking their eligibility through the government tool. They should then review their SIC and HS classifications, confirm which manufacturing sites meet the rules, and gather the required electricity records.
Meter details, site information and supporting documents should also be checked before the application is submitted.
The key deadline is 30 November 2026 at11:59 pmm. Businesses that want support during the first BICS delivery year should prepare early rather than wait until the final days of the application window.
LANOP Can Help Businesses Prepare With Confidence
BICS could provide meaningful electricity savings, but the application process depends on accurate company, manufacturing, and energy information.
LANOP Business & Tax Advisors can support manufacturers by reviewing company records, SIC classifications and the financial information needed before an application is made.
We can also help businesses organise supporting records and identify gaps that may need attention before submission.
With applications now open, manufacturers should review their position early and make sure their information is complete before the November deadline.
