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Small businesses can now benefit from a new electricity-cost relief scheme that was launched on 1 October. Applications close on 30 November 2026.

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is open and more than 10,000 businesses across Britain are thought to be eligible. BICS will cut manufacturers’ electricity costs by up to 25%, with support targeted at the UK’s frontier and foundational industries where around 98% of all firms are small businesses. The percentage received will vary with the price a business pays.

Businesses confirmed as eligible will also be in line for an additional lump-sum payment equivalent to around a year’s relief from the scheme. Only those applying for BICS this year will be able to access the additional year of payment.

There is also extended support through the British Industry Supercharger, announced in October last year. This increased the discount on electricity network charges for businesses in sectors like steel, cement, glass, and chemicals, from 60% to 90% and is expected to be worth over £400 million. 

For BICS, businesses must fulfil four tests: - Be in an eligible business sector - Have a Companies House registration - Have an eligible manufactured product - Have sufficient electricity use

The government guidance outlines that sector eligibility uses the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and products use Harmonised System (HS) codes. Manufacturing sites are required to use a minimum of 33 megawatt-hours of annual grid electricity.

Companies must supply the full required details to be eligible, but even a favourable check should not be treated as approval.

There is an official evidence checklist to help businesses organise their application. Businesses can submit their applications on gov.uk here: https://apply-for-bics.service.gov.uk/

Further information and guidance on applying for support from BICS is available on the scheme’s gov.uk pages here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/british-industrial-competitiveness-scheme-business-guidance/british-industrial-competitiveness-scheme-guidance-for-applicants