New electricity-cost support for British manufacturers

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is a new Government scheme designed to reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturers in Great Britain, with support beginning from April 2027.

What is BICS?

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme is a new Government support scheme intended to improve the competitiveness of British manufacturing by reducing certain electricity policy costs.

It will support eligible manufacturers across selected frontier and foundational industries, including businesses that have historically fallen outside the existing Energy Intensive Industries arrangements.

BICS Support Timeline

Could Your Business Qualify?

BICS is targeted at eligible manufacturing activities carried out in Great Britain.

How Much Support Could You Receive?

BICS and the Existing EII Schemes

BICS is separate from the existing Energy Intensive Industries support arrangements and has different eligibility requirements.

Manufacturers that do not qualify for existing EII support may therefore still qualify for BICS.

How EII Advisory Can Help

EII Advisory provides specialist support to manufacturers considering eligibility for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.

Applications Begin in October 2026

The first BICS application window is expected to open in October 2026, ahead of support beginning in April 2027.

With eligible activities now confirmed, manufacturers can begin assessing potential eligibility and the value of the scheme before applications open.

Think You May Qualify for BICS?

With the eligible activities now confirmed and the first application window approaching, manufacturers can begin assessing their position today.

Whether you already participate in the EII schemes or have never previously qualified for industrial electricity-cost support, BICS may create a significant new opportunity.

Speak to EII Advisory for an initial discussion about your potential eligibility.

Important Information

BICS is a developing Government scheme due to commence in 2027. The information above reflects published Government information available at August 2026 and may change as legislation and further detailed guidance are introduced.

British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS)

Information graphic with three sections. First section: green circle with a percentage symbol, text 'UP TO 25% potential reduction in electricity bills.' Second section: green circle with multiple people icon, text '10,000+ manufacturers expected to benefit.' Third section: green circle with a calendar icon, text 'Support begins April 2027.'
A timeline infographic showing the support for eligible manufacturers beginning in April 2027 with a Renewable Obligation + Feed-in Tariffs, and additional support added in October 2027 with a Capacity Market, leading to up to 25% reduction in electricity bills for eligible manufacturers depending on circumstances.
Flowchart explaining the potential eligibility for BICS, starting from manufacturing activity in Great Britain, activity within an eligible sector, manufacturing eligible products, qualifying manufacturing site, relevant electricity use, leading to potential BICS eligibility, with a notification about eligibility criteria and a check BICS eligibility button.
A chart explaining support eligibility based on BICS exemption levels and annual value of BICS exemptions for electricity in the UK. The top section shows three thresholds for exemption levels: less than or equal to 25%, more than 25% and less than 50%, and 50% or more. The bottom section displays value ranges for different levels of annual grid electricity consumption, with potential savings for each.
Assess Your BICS Eligibility
A step-by-step infographic outlining the process for business classification and support, including eligibility assessment, SIC & HS classification review, site and electricity review, application support, and ongoing support.
Assess Your BICS Eligibility
Learn more about EII
Insights
What Could BICS Actually Mean for Your Electricity Bill?
What Could BICS Actually Mean for Your Electricity Bill?

What could BICS actually mean for your business? We look at practical examples of UK manufacturers, different electricity costs and products, and how BICS could deliver significant savings – while explaining why eligibility isn't always as simple as it first appears.

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The BICS Deadline Is Coming – And the First Year Could Be Especially Valuable
The BICS Deadline Is Coming – And the First Year Could Be Especially Valuable

The first BICS application deadline is approaching – and the first year could be particularly valuable. Eligible manufacturers could benefit from ongoing electricity cost savings, plus an additional payment relating back to April 2026.

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BICS Eligibility Confirmed: What UK Manufacturers Need to Know
BICS Eligibility Confirmed: What UK Manufacturers Need to Know

The Government has confirmed the eligible activities for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS). We look at what the latest eligibility position means for UK manufacturers and how businesses can begin preparing for the scheme.

Read more →

Assess Eligibility

Applications open October 2026, prepare now.

If you would like to discuss how BICS may affect your business, and assess eligibility, please do get in contact.