Manufacturing businesses across Sussex are being encouraged to apply for a new government scheme that could significantly reduce their electricity costs and improve competitiveness.
Applications are now open for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), a national initiative designed to help eligible manufacturers reduce energy costs by providing exemptions from electricity bill levies. The scheme is expected to support more than 10,000 businesses across Great Britain and could reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour, equivalent to as much as 25% of a company’s electricity bill.
The scheme forms part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy and aims to strengthen the competitiveness of UK manufacturers while protecting skilled jobs and supporting growth in key industrial sectors. Eligible businesses will begin receiving support from April 2027, with an additional payment planned in 2027 to reflect support businesses would have received had the scheme been introduced earlier.
To qualify, businesses must:
- Be registered with Companies House
- Operate in an eligible sector
- Manufacture eligible products in Great Britain
- Use at least 33 MWh of grid-supplied electricity annually at the manufacturing site
Manufacturers are encouraged to use the Government’s online eligibility checker to determine whether they are likely to qualify before submitting an application.
The application window is open now and closes at 11.59pm on 30 November 2026. Businesses are advised not to leave their application until the last minute, as there is only one application round each year and applications cannot be amended once submitted.
The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade will also host two webinars during the application period to help businesses understand the scheme and application process:
- 13 October 2026 – BICS Business Update
- 17 November 2026 – BICS Last Chance to Apply Business Update
Businesses can learn more about the scheme, check their eligibility and apply via the Government’s BICS webpages.