Applications open for scheme to cut electricity bills for manufacturers

Applications opened on 1 October 2026 for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) as part of government project to cut costs for businesses.

1 Oct 2026

Applications opened on 1 October 2026 for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) as part of government project to cut costs for businesses.

BICS will cut eligible manufacturers' electricity costs by up to 25% from April 2027 and more than 10,000 business across Great Britain are expected to benefit. Support will be targeted at the UK' s frontier and foundational industries, where about 98% of firms are small businesses. Frontier industries are broadly those driving future economic transformation and technological advancement whilst foundational industries provide the inputs which support the frontier industries.

Those successful in applying for BICs this year will also be eligible for an additional one-off lump sum payment equivalent to approximately a year's relief.

BICS is part of wider government action to tackle industrial energy costs and reindustrialise Britain. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said:

'We're cutting electricity bills for thousands of manufacturers to help firms invest, grow and create good jobs.'

Eligible manufacturers should sign up before registrations close on 30 November.

Internet link: GOV.UK