Guidance

British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme: business guidance

This guidance explains how to apply for support through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) ahead of applications opening on 1 October 2026.

• From: Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
• Published: 10 August 2026
• Last updated: 2 October 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 2 October 2026

     - added a clarification that HS Codes should be interpreted in line with the UK Tariff (version 1.31, dated 3 March 2026)

  2. 1 October 2026

     - clarified that BMUs can be included in the scheme - made clear you need to include ineligible activity that happens on the site when doing pro-rating - updated Windsor Framework content - updated appeals content - updated changes in circumstances during the application phase content - added advice on sensitive information - updated Supercharger content to tell businesses they will not have confirmed exemption levels in January - updated what to do for different Companies House statuses - added information about what happens if the portal goes down - provided clarification around information handling - added an explanation about shared meters and reconciliation - added that businesses will need their Companies House number to verify applications - updated information for mailed applications - added clarity on sub-metering

  3. 10 August 2026

     First published.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme: guidance for applicants

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Annex A: British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme evidence requirements

PDF, 190 KB, 6 pages

Annex B: British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme example free-text statements

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Annex C: British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme further guidance for landlords and other third parties

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British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme offline application form

PDF, 6.48 MB, 10 pages

Details

This guidance covers:

• who is eligible
• how relief is calculated
• the evidence you may need to provide
• your ongoing obligations if you receive support

BICS will reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturing businesses by providing exemptions from the renewables obligation (RO), feed-in tariffs (FIT) and capacity market (CM).