BICS applications: it’s complicated, but you don’t have to manage it alone
The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) application window is now open. If you’re planning to apply, starting to gather the information you need or already working your way through the application, you may be discovering that the process is more complicated than it first appears.
The good news is, you don’t have to work through it on your own.
Greenfields Energy Group can support you through the entire BICS application process, from understanding what information and evidence you need through to completing and submitting your application.
The application is about more than proving you are a manufacturer
On the surface, the eligibility criteria can look relatively straightforward. Is your business registered at Companies House? Do you operate within an eligible manufacturing sector? Do you manufacture eligible products? Does the site consume enough grid-supplied electricity?
But, once you start getting into the detail, there is a lot more to consider.
Businesses need to look at the SIC codes registered at Companies House, the HS codes of the products manufactured at each site, electricity consumption and the proportion of electricity associated with eligible manufacturing activities. For manufacturers with multiple sites, multiple products or a mixture of eligible and non-eligible production, this can quickly become more complicated
And the evidence requirements add another layer of complexity. Applicants may need to provide electricity bills covering the most recent six consecutive months available within the previous 12 months, details of individual manufacturing sites and MPANs, evidence of products manufactured at those sites and supporting information explaining how electricity consumption has been allocated to eligible activity.
Where sub-metering isn't available, businesses may need to develop an appropriate methodology for estimating consumption and provide a clear rationale for the approach used. Private networks, shared meters and businesses already receiving support through the British Industry Supercharger can introduce further considerations.
In short, it isn't simply a case of completing an online form. You need to make sure the information, calculations and supporting evidence all stack up.
Getting it right first time matters
This is one of the most important things to understand before submitting a BICS application.
Government guidance states that there will be no opportunity to amend an application once it has been submitted. Applications can be rejected where evidence is incomplete, inconsistent, unclear or insufficient to verify eligibility or the exemption being claimed.
A discrepancy between the application and Companies House information, incomplete evidence, an incorrect MPAN, problems demonstrating eligible production or an unsupported approach to calculating eligible electricity consumption could all create issues.
There is a limited appeals process, but not every rejection can be appealed. For example, some decisions relating to the scheme’s fundamental eligibility requirements or mandatory evidence checks are final.
Where an appeal is permitted, it is intended to address issues such as an error in the assessment of evidence or the calculation of the proportion of eligible manufacturing activity. It shouldn't be regarded as an opportunity to simply redo an application.
That’s why spending time getting the application right before submission is so important.
Calculating the level of exemption can add another layer of complexity
For some manufacturers, establishing basic eligibility may be the easier part. Calculating how much electricity qualifies for relief can be more involved.
If a site produces both eligible and non-eligible products, the business needs to determine the amount of grid electricity attributable to eligible manufacturing. That can involve production data, sub-metering, monitoring equipment or another reasonable methodology. On a complex manufacturing site, that requires an understanding of both the energy data and the production process.
The same applies where meters are shared, electricity is supplied through a third party or some activity is already supported through the British Industry Supercharger.
Getting these calculations right matters because BICS isn't simply a yes or no decision. The information submitted can determine the proportion of electricity to which the exemption applies.
If you’re planning to apply, start preparing now
The first BICS application window runs until 30 November 2026. There is still time, but manufacturers shouldn't underestimate the work that may be involved in preparing a robust application.
Start by checking your Companies House information and confirming your SIC and HS codes. Identify the relevant MPANs, gather the required electricity data and establish how eligible and non-eligible production is supplied.
For businesses with more complex manufacturing operations, it is worth identifying potential issues early. Multiple sites, shared supplies, different manufacturing activities and limited sub-metering can all require additional work. Our free BICS Eligibility Checker can help you check your eligibility and potential financial benefit
And if you have already started the application and found that it is becoming more involved than expected, don't worry. You don't have to work through the rest of the process alone.
Greenfields can manage the whole process for you
Whether you're thinking about applying, preparing your information or already part-way through an application, Greenfields Energy Group can help.
Our BICS Application Management System is a six step process that manages your application from start to submission, working with your team to establish what is required, gather and review the information, understand your electricity consumption and supporting evidence, and complete the application on your behalf.
For manufacturers, it means you don't have to become an expert in the application process yourself. You can carry on running your business while we help you navigate the detail.
If you're planning to apply for BICS, gathering the information you need or have already started your application, speak to a member of our team.
Or if you are still considering applying for BICS, you can start with our BICS Eligibility Checker, explore the guidance available in our BICS Resource Hub, or speak to a member of the Greenfields team about preparing and managing your application.