Applications open for scheme to support manufacturers with electricity bills

Applications have now opened for eligible manufacturers to sign up for government support from the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) that could help reduce electricity bills by up to 25%.

Businesses have until 30th November to register to receive support from April 2027. In addition to the relief with the energy costs, businesses registering for the scheme this year will also be able to access an additional lump-sum payment equivalent to a year’s relief from the scheme. Support is expected to approximately 10,000 businesses across England, Scotland and Wales.

BICS forms part of wider government action to tackle industrial electricity costs and strengthen the competitiveness of UK manufacturing. This includes extended support through the British Industry Supercharger, which helps cut electricity costs for energy-intensive industries including steel, chemicals, glass, paper and ceramics by over £400 million per year.

The Government has also backed some of the UK’s vital national sectors such as chemicals and ceramics with additional targeted funding to tackle high energy costs and shore up Britain’s resilience, with £350 million and £120 million respectively.

BICS is targeted at manufacturers across the Modern Industrial Strategy’s eight high-growth sectors, such as aerospace and defence, as well as the foundational industries that supply them, directing support where it will have the greatest impact on growth, investment, competitiveness and jobs.

Businesses can submit their applications on the government website here.