Update on additional support for Energy and Trade Intensive Industries

The government has now published further details regarding Energy Bills Discount Scheme support for Energy and Trade Intensive Industries (ETII).

Organisations operating under certain Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes will be categorised as ETIIs. While the main code used for the performing arts does not qualify there are some others which your business may fall under that do qualify:

91.01 - Library and archive activities

91.02 - Museum activities

91.03 - Operation of historical sites and buildings and similar visitor attractions

Please note that the guidance states that to be eligible for as ETII, organisations must prove that at least 50% of their revenue is being generated from UK-based activity within eligible SIC code sectors.

Eligible organisations will have 90 days from the scheme’s introduction date (26 April) to apply for the higher level of support.

Find out more and make an application on the government website. 

Update May 2023

Theatres Trust attended a webinar with the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero to get some clarification about eligibility for the ETII (the enhanced energy discount scheme for certain industries).

They won’t guarantee that a historic theatre will be eligible as this is determined on a case-by-case basis, but there were some useful considerations for theatres planning to apply under the historical buildings category:

  1. Eligibility of historical sites is judged on a case-by-case basis.
  2. You don’t have to have a SIC code to apply, but register for the relevant one if you can.  If you don’t have a SIC code, just indicate where asked the relevant SIC code category under which you believe you qualify e.g. 91.03 (Operation of historical sites and buildings and similar visitor attractions).
  3. Provide as much evidence as you can that your theatre is historical.  This could include plans, historical records or descriptions, listing status / description if you have one, inclusion on the Theatres Trust database
  4. You are required to demonstrate that at least 50% of revenue generated at your theatre is for activity within the historical building SIC code category.  Providing you can prove your theatre is historical you can include 100% of ticket revenue, but it is recommended you also supply invoices etc. to demonstrate that there is spend relating to the upkeep of the historic site.
  5. Currently the application portal does not allow you to save and go back to your application so make sure you check and have all the relevant paperwork ready when you apply.
  6. Further support is available here -

Email: support@ebds.beis.gov.uk
Telephone: 030 0400 5251
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Importantly this is just guidance and does not guarantee you will be deemed eligible for ETII, but should help relevant theatres make the best case for qualifying.

If your organisation has already applied for this additional support, whether you were successful or not, we would be grateful if you could provide feedback on how the process went for you. Please contact Lucy Mason, Theatres Adviser.

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