British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS): Renewables Obligation - business regulatory impact assessment
This BRIA concludes that amending the ROS to implement BICS would cut electricity costs for eligible Scottish manufacturing businesses, helping to improve competitiveness, investment and growth. No significant impact is expected on other consumers, with changes taking effect from April 2027.
Section 7: Options Considered and Recommended
7.1 Options considered initially (or so far if this is a Partial BRIA)
The consultation put forward two proposals, both of which are necessary for BICS to be successfully implemented in Scotland:
1. Amend the ROS order to exempt BICS-eligible businesses from up to 100% (subject to pro-rating) of ROS costs passed onto them by electricity suppliers
2. Change the arrangements for setting the obligation level for Scotland for 2027 to 2028, to allow for the later publication of an adjusted obligation level, reflecting the BICS exemption prior to 1 April 2027
Following the consultation the Scottish Government will implement both.
7.2 Recommendations/ preferred options
Following the conclusion of the consultation process, Scottish Ministers have chosen to proceed with the implementation of both proposals outlined above.
Contact
Email: BICS.consultation@gov.scot