2 min read - 1 Oct, 2026
Energy bill relief scheme opens for 10,000 manufacturers
More than 10,000 manufacturers are a step closer to vital government support to cut electricity bills, as applications open today for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS).
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has urged eligible manufacturers to apply before registrations close on 30 November to receive support from April 2027, marking the next milestone in government action to tackle industrial energy costs.
A flagship measure of the Modern Industrial Strategy, 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 Government says the scheme will save companies hundreds of millions of pounds a year, helping them invest, grow and create good jobs as part of the Prime Minister’s mission to reindustrialise Britain.
Applications are now open for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, with eligible businesses urged to apply by 30 November / Picture: Getty/iStock
Jonathan Reynolds, Business Secretary, said: “We will reindustrialise Britain by tackling one of the biggest pressures facing manufacturers and cutting their electricity bills. I’d urge every eligible manufacturer to get their application in for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. This support will help companies spend less on energy and more on growing their business, unlocking the growth we want to see across the country.”
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.
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 £400m 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 £350m and £120m respectively.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, Energy Secretary, added: “We are pressing ahead to break the link with fossil fuels, upgrade our network, speed up connections with the Great British Grid and transition to clean power, which is the only way to bring down bills for good.”
