top of page

Is Your Business Eligible for the Industrial Competitiveness Scheme? What You Need to Know

  • Writer: mitchthorne98
    mitchthorne98
  • Sep 24
  • 2 min read

The UK government has just unveiled a major step in its 10-year Industrial Strategy. This has the potential to reshape the energy costs for thousands of manufacturers.


From 2027, more than 7,000 electricity-intensive businesses in sectors like automotive, aerospace, steel, cement, and chemicals will see their bills reduced under the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS).


According to GOV.UK, the scheme could slash up to £40 per megawatt hour from bills, plus further discounts on network and policy levies. The Society of Chemical Industry welcomed the announcement, calling it a critical move to strengthen competitiveness and keep production in the UK.


For manufacturers battling high input costs, this isn’t just a small win, it could transform cash flow, margins, and global competitiveness.


Why Planning Ahead Matters

Relief is on the way, but it doesn’t start until 2027. That means the next two years are critical for businesses to:

  • Check eligibility: not every business qualifies, so it’s worth reviewing whether your sector and consumption levels align with the scheme’s criteria.

  • Review your contracts: being tied into the wrong deal could blunt the benefits once the scheme takes effect.

  • Forecast usage: knowing your energy profile now helps you make better decisions when the discounts kick in.

  • Cut inefficiencies today: the more you optimise now, the greater the benefit you’ll feel when your costs fall.


How PPS For Business Can Help

At PPS, we’re already working with clients in manufacturing, chemicals, and heavy industry to get ahead of this change. That means:


  • Running eligibility checks to confirm who can access BICS.

  • Negotiating contracts that balance current savings with future flexibility.

  • Helping you forecast and plan usage, so you know where the biggest gains will be.

  • Reviewing not just energy, but also payment systems and efficiency tools so you’re maximising savings across the board.


This isn’t just about waiting for government relief. It’s about using the time between now and 2027 to put your business in the strongest possible position.


If you’re in manufacturing and want to know what this means for you, PPS can help you cut through the complexity and prepare with clarity.



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page