TEST 01
Registered business
The business is registered at Companies House.
Applications open now until 30 November 2026
British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS)
BICS is a Government scheme designed to reduce indirect electricity costs for qualifying manufacturers in Great Britain.
An Energy Relief Vault assessment is not a Government eligibility decision.
The scheme
What is BICS?
BICS exempts eligible manufacturing electricity in England, Scotland and Wales from certain RO, FiT and CM costs. Eligibility depends on the business, SIC sector, HS6 product, site and grid-electricity evidence.
Indicative impact
Potential BICS impact on electricity costs
Government has estimated that BICS could reduce qualifying manufacturers' electricity bills by up to approximately 25%, with the relevant policy costs worth approximately £35–£40/MWh. These are Government estimates, not guaranteed savings. Actual support depends on the circumstances and eligible electricity use of each manufacturing site.
0%
25% or less eligible use
No exemption from the BICS policy costs.
50%
More than 25%, below 50%
A 50% exemption from the BICS policy costs.
100%
50% or more eligible use
A 100% exemption from the BICS policy costs.
These percentages apply to the relevant BICS policy costs, not to the whole electricity bill.
Indicative assessment
Could your business qualify?
Government guidance currently requires all four tests. Energy Relief Vault can help assess and prepare the position, but Government determines final eligibility.
TEST 02
Eligible sector
The business operates within a sector identified by an eligible SIC code.
TEST 03
Eligible product made in Great Britain
The site manufactures a product identified by an eligible six-digit HS code in England, Scotland or Wales.
TEST 04
Grid-electricity threshold
The relevant manufacturing site uses at least 33 MWh annually. Government uses more than 16.5 MWh over the applicable six-month evidence period as the annual-threshold proxy.
HS codes classify products for BICS. A business does not need to import or export to qualify.
First scheme year
Key BICS dates
The first application window and expected relief milestones run from October 2026 to October 2027.
- 011 Oct 2026
Applications opened
The first BICS application window opened on this date.
- 0230 Nov 2026
Applications close
The first-year deadline is 11:59pm.
- 03Jan 2027
Decisions expected
First-year eligibility decisions are expected.
- 04Apr 2027
RO and FiT relief begins
Approved RO and Feed-in Tariff exemptions begin.
- 05Oct 2027
CM relief begins
Approved Capacity Market exemptions begin.
Application preparation
What will you need to apply?
The application evidence includes Companies House information, manufacturing-site details, MPANs, product details and supporting production records.
- • Electricity bills for the most recent six consecutive months available within the preceding 12 months
- • Evidence supporting the products manufactured at the site
- • Additional information for private supply or network arrangements where relevant
Government guidance says there is no opportunity to amend an application after submission, so evidence should be checked carefully beforehand.
From screening to submission
How Energy Relief Vault helps
The Vault brings the assessment, evidence and specialist review into one structured process while keeping your team responsible for approving the application position.
- 01
Assess
Screen company, sector, product, site and electricity.
- 02
Prepare
Collect bills, MPANs, site and production records.
- 03
Validate
Review assumptions and evidence gaps.
- 04
Apply
Prepare the position for company approval.
- 05
Track
Maintain records after approval.
Interaction with Supercharger
BICS and other energy relief schemes
A business receiving British Industry Supercharger support may also apply for BICS where it meets the BICS eligibility requirements. It cannot receive duplicate relief for the same activity under both schemes.
Understand the British Industry Supercharger| Verified benefit each quarter | Standard | Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| First £25,000 | 10% | 20% |
| Above £25,000 | 5% | 10% |
The same rates apply to BICS and other energy reliefs we agree to support. Rates apply progressively to actual verified savings within each quarter. Fees are invoiced following each quarterly calculation, plus VAT. No upfront consultancy fee for the core service. No success fee where there is no saving, subject to separately agreed additional services.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions about BICS
Practical answers about the BICS scheme, evidence, and what happens next.
When can I apply for BICS?
Applications are open now until 11:59pm on 30 November 2026. This is the application window for the first scheme year.
Who can qualify for BICS?
Government guidance currently requires all four tests: Companies House registration, an eligible SIC sector, an eligible six-digit HS product manufactured in Great Britain, and the site electricity threshold. Energy Relief Vault can support an indicative assessment, but Government makes the final eligibility decision.
How much electricity must a site use?
The relevant manufacturing site must use at least 33 MWh of grid-supplied electricity annually. Government uses more than 16.5 MWh over the applicable six-month evidence period as the proxy for that annual threshold.
Does a business need to import or export to qualify?
No. HS codes are used to classify manufactured products for BICS. A business does not need to import or export those products to qualify.
Can a consultant submit a BICS application?
Government guidance permits an authorised third party, such as a consultant, to complete an application. A Companies House-registered officer must confirm the authority where required, and the business remains responsible for its application and evidence.
Can a business receiving British Industry Supercharger support apply for BICS?
Yes, a business receiving British Industry Supercharger support may also apply for BICS if it meets the BICS eligibility requirements. It cannot receive duplicate relief for the same activity under both schemes.
Get started with Energy Relief Vault
Create your account to begin setting up your company in the Vault. Our specialists can help with questions about your business and the assessment process.