Stories

Wed, 15 Apr 2026

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 More big energy users to get help as support plan expanded

A scheme to cut bills for firms that are heavy energy users is being extended to cover an additional 3,000 businesses.

* Around 10,000 energy-intensive manufacturers could see their bills cut by up to 25% under an expanded support scheme.
* The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) will exempt eligible firms from some electricity charges worth around £35-£40 per MWh.
* Qualifying businesses will also receive a one-off payment in 2027 that will cover the support they would have received if BICS had been in place from April 2026.
* The scheme is expected to cost £600m and will be funded through changes to the energy system and government expenditure.
* Eligible firms can find out whether they are eligible using their Standard Industrial classification code on the government business department website.
* The expanded scheme will provide support for an additional 3,000 companies.