What every manufacturer needs to know about BICS
Could your products unlock lower electricity bills? The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, known as BICS, offers a reason to review what you manufacture and which energy reliefs may apply.
Guidance reviewed on
What is BICS?
BICS removes certain electricity policy costs for eligible manufacturers. It covers the Renewables Obligation, Feed in Tariffs and Capacity Market.
The government estimates savings of around £35 to £40 per MWh, potentially reducing electricity bills by up to 25%. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed discount. Both SMEs and larger businesses can benefit.
Read the government announcement on BICS savings (opens in a new tab)
Could your business qualify?
Applicants need Companies House registration, eligible sector and product classifications, and manufacturing activity in Great Britain. Each site needs at least 33,000 kWh of annual grid electricity use. Onsite generation does not count.
Processing customers’ products can qualify. The relevant product and activity still need checking.
Do not assume that being a small business rules you out. Equally, a large electricity bill does not establish eligibility. Start with what your site actually produces.
Why your products matter
The government publishes separate lists of eligible SIC activity codes and HS product codes. Checking your company name or broad industry description alone will not tell the whole story.
Check the official SIC and HS eligibility lists (opens in a new tab)
For an initial review, describe your main finished products in everyday language. Include their materials where useful. If you process items for customers, explain what those items are and what you do to them. You do not need to arrive with classification codes.
What if your SIC code does not match?
Review whether your registered activities are accurate. Corrections use a Companies House confirmation statement. Never adopt an inaccurate code to obtain relief.
How much could your site receive?
Relief depends on eligible electricity use. The exemption bands are zero at 25% or less, half above 25% but below 50%, and full at 50% or more. These percentages concern covered policy costs, not the whole bill.
When can you apply?
The first window runs from 1 October to 30 November 2026, closing at 11:59pm. RO and FiT relief starts in April 2027; Capacity Market relief starts in October 2027.
What should you prepare?
Gather company details, product records, site and meter information, and six consecutive months of electricity evidence. The guidance requires more than 16,500 kWh over that evidence period.
Read the government guidance for applicants (opens in a new tab)
Check your products
Use our product checker to explore whether your manufacturing could qualify. Myriad can help review classifications, evidence and the next steps. An initial check is not an approval.
BICS is one of several energy relief routes. Explore our energy relief services to learn about other opportunities.