British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS)

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is a UK Government support scheme designed to reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturers. The scheme is delivered by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) and forms part of the Government’s industrial competitiveness agenda.

From 2027, eligible businesses may receive electricity cost reductions of up to £40 per megawatt hour through exemptions from several indirect electricity policy costs, including the Renewables Obligation, Capacity Market, and Feed-in Tariff charges.

To qualify, businesses must be registered with Companies House, operate in an eligible sector identified through Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, manufacture eligible products identified by Harmonised System (HS) codes, and meet the required electricity-intensity threshold. Eligibility is determined using detailed Government criteria and supporting guidance.

An online eligibility checker is available to help businesses assess whether they are likely to qualify before applying. Applications are submitted through the official GOV.UK application service.

The scheme is available across the UK to qualifying manufacturers and is intended to support investment, productivity and competitiveness in strategically important industrial sectors. Businesses should review the latest eligibility guidance before applying.