Could your business pay less for electricity?
We're partnering with our client, Advantage Utilities, to help businesses explore opportunities to reduce their energy bills. For eligible manufacturers, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme could offer a significant saving.
A useful connection could make a difference to your bottom line.
Energy costs put pressure on budgets, investment and the everyday running of a business. Finding the time to understand contracts and government support can be a challenge in itself.
Advantage Utilities is a Fifosys client and a specialist energy consultancy. We're working together to help businesses access expertise on energy purchasing, costs and the support available to them.
With BICS applications now open, this is a timely opportunity for manufacturers to check whether they could qualify. We can introduce you to Advantage Utilities to discuss your position.
Lower electricity costs for eligible manufacturers.
BICS is a government scheme for qualifying manufacturing businesses in Great Britain. It reduces certain policy costs within electricity bills, helping eligible businesses manage a major operating expense.
Potential reduction in electricity bills for eligible manufacturers, according to the government's announcement. The saving will depend on your circumstances.
The first application window closes on the 30th of November 2026 at 11:59pm. Checking eligibility and gathering the information needed takes time.
Relief begins from April 2027 for the Renewables Obligation and Feed-in Tariffs, with Capacity Market relief starting from October 2027. BICS doesn't provide a blanket discount on every part of your energy bill. Read the government's applicant guidance.
Manufacturing activity and electricity use both matter.
BICS is targeted support. A high electricity bill alone doesn't establish eligibility, and being a manufacturer doesn't automatically mean your business qualifies.
The government's BICS page includes an eligibility checker and the application route.
Your business and location
Your business must be registered on Companies House. The scheme applies to eligible manufacturing sites in England, Scotland and Wales.
What you manufacture
Eligibility depends on qualifying sector and product codes. These are the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) and Harmonised System (HS) codes specified by the scheme.
Your site's electricity use
Each manufacturing site must meet the minimum annual grid electricity consumption requirement of 33 MWh, equivalent to 33,000 kWh, with supporting evidence.
A completed application
You need to apply within the scheme's application window. Using the eligibility checker doesn't submit an application or confirm that support has been approved.
Start with a conversation about your business.
You don't need to have every answer before getting in touch. Tell us you're interested and we'll help you make the connection with Advantage Utilities.
Fifosys
We're bringing this opportunity to our business community through our relationship with Advantage Utilities. Speak to your Fifosys contact or send our team an enquiry mentioning BICS.
Advantage Utilities
Advantage Utilities can discuss BICS eligibility and application support, alongside your wider energy procurement strategy. Their team can explain the services available and any associated terms.
Your next energy decision deserves a closer look.
Whether you're checking BICS eligibility or approaching a contract renewal, it's useful to understand where your money goes and what options are available.
Advantage Utilities can discuss purchasing strategy, consumption patterns and opportunities to improve efficiency. Any potential saving will depend on your business and the options available.
A few things to know before you get started.
The right next step depends on your business. These answers explain where the partnership can help.
Is BICS available to every business?
No. It's aimed at eligible manufacturers in Great Britain. Your business, manufacturing activities and site electricity use need to meet the scheme's requirements. Check the government guidance before assuming you qualify.
Will my business save 25%?
The government describes potential electricity bill reductions of up to 25%. That isn't a guaranteed saving for an individual business. Your eligibility, qualifying consumption and bill structure will affect the outcome.
Can I speak to Advantage Utilities if BICS doesn't apply?
Yes. Advantage Utilities also provides commercial energy procurement and consultancy services. You can discuss your contracts and wider energy costs with their team.
Who will provide the energy advice?
Advantage Utilities provides the specialist energy advice. Fifosys can introduce you through our existing client relationship. Any energy services and their terms should be discussed directly with Advantage Utilities.
How do I get started?
Contact Fifosys and mention Advantage Utilities or BICS, or visit Advantage Utilities' BICS page to enquire directly. If you contact them directly, let them know Fifosys pointed you their way.
Find out what the opportunity could mean for your business.
Ask us for an introduction to Advantage Utilities, or speak to their team directly. If BICS could apply to you, leave enough time to check the requirements before applications close.
Ask for an introduction
Send our team an enquiry and mention Advantage Utilities or BICS so we can direct your request.
Explore BICS support
Visit Advantage Utilities for their latest updates and to enquire about support for your business.
Scheme information checked on the 29th of October 2026 against GOV.UK's BICS information and applicant guidance . Eligibility and savings depend on individual circumstances. Government approval is required for scheme support. Energy consultancy services are provided by Advantage Utilities.
About Advantage Utilities
Our client, Advantage Utilities, helps businesses manage their energy costs through commercial energy procurement and specialist consultancy.
We've partnered with their team to make that expertise more accessible to our business community, including guidance on the opportunities available through BICS.
Explore Advantage Utilities' business energy services