BICS: What Manufacturers Need to Know

With the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) launched on the 1^st October, Kayleigh Thompson, Commercial Manager at Professional Energy People answers some key questions for manufacturers about what the scheme means, who should be looking at it and what to do next.

What is the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme?
BICS is a government scheme designed to help eligible UK manufacturers reduce the impact of electricity policy costs on their energy bills and improve their international competitiveness. For businesses that meet the eligibility criteria, the scheme provides an electricity discount which could provide significant savings.

Who should be looking at BICS?
The scheme is particularly relevant to electricity-intensive manufacturers and businesses operating within eligible sectors. Importantly, businesses shouldn't assume that they won't qualify simply because they haven't previously benefited from other energy-intensive industry support schemes.

BICS is now open — what do manufacturers need to do?
The application window opened on 1 October 2026 and closes on 30 November 2026, so there is a limited amount of time to apply.

Manufacturers should review the application requirements carefully and start gathering the necessary information. This is likely to include details about manufacturing activities, SIC and HS codes, electricity consumption and other supporting evidence. There is also an online eligibility checker available to help businesses to assess their potential eligibility.  

What would be your advice to manufacturers now?
The application window is only two months, so manufacturers that believe they may qualify should be taking action now. Check your eligibility, gather the required information and make sure you understand what BICS could mean for your business.

If you're unsure whether your business qualifies or how the scheme could affect your energy costs, speak our team to help you understand your position and identify the next steps.

BICS represents an important opportunity for eligible manufacturers to reduce energy costs. The priority now is making sure you don't miss the application window.

For more information about Professional Energy People’s business energy services call them on 0330 0022180 or visit www.pepgb.com