Successful applicants can expect Renewable Obligation and Feed-in Tariff exemptions from April 2027 and Capacity Market exemptions from October 2027.
The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is a government initiative designed to help eligible manufacturers reduce electricity costs and improve competitiveness. Eligible businesses could benefit from savings of up to £40 p/MWh through exemptions from Capacity Market (CM) costs from 01 October 2027, and Renewables Obligation (RO) and Feed-in Tariff (FiT) costs from 01 April 2027.
The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme supports eligible manufacturers by exempting them from the indirect costs of:
The scheme is expected to support over 10,000 businesses across Great Britain, helping to reduce energy costs and strengthen UK manufacturing competitiveness.
To qualify, businesses must meet all the following criteria:
Businesses must meet all four criteria to be eligible. Applications that do not meet these requirements cannot proceed.
Applications for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) are now open and will close at 23:59 on 30 November 2026 and will be assessed following the deadline, with eligibility decisions expected in January 2027.
For successful applications, exemptions for the Renewables Obligation (RO) and Feed-in Tariff (FiT) schemes are expected to be applied from April 2027. Exemptions relating to the Capacity Market (CM) are expected to begin from October 2027.
In addition, eligible businesses will receive a 2027 payment designed to provide support equivalent to the savings that would have been received before exemptions start appearing on energy bills.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Use the Government's BICS Eligibility Checker to determine whether your business is likely to qualify.
Step 2: Review the Guidance
Understand the eligibility requirements and evidence needed to support your application.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
You'll need supporting documentation, including electricity consumption data and manufacturing evidence.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Applications must be submitted before 23:59 on 30 November 2026. There is only one application window each year.
Businesses may be asked to provide the following information: manufacturing site details, electricity consumption records, MPAN details, production records, evidence of eligible manufacturing activity, and company registration information. Applications should be supported with complete and accurate documentation to avoid delays.
We're committed to helping customers understand schemes that may reduce energy costs. If you believe your business could be eligible for BICS and would like to discuss your electricity supply arrangements, please contact us for more information.
Submit your application before 30 November 2026.
