(A) Any Edison technology center in this state is eligible to apply for and receive assistance pursuant to section 4928.62 of the Revised Code for the purposes of creating an advanced energy manufacturing center in this state that will provide for the exchange of information and expertise regarding advanced energy, assisting with the design of advanced energy projects, developing workforce training programs for such projects, and encouraging investment in advanced energy manufacturing technologies for advanced energy products and investment in sustainable manufacturing operations that create high-paying jobs in this state.

(B) Any university or group of universities in this state that conducts research on any advanced energy resource or any not-for-profit corporation formed to address issues affecting the price and availability of electricity and having members that are small businesses may apply for and receive assistance pursuant to section 4928.62 of the Revised Code for the purpose of encouraging research in this state that is directed at innovation in or the refinement of those resources or for the purpose of educational outreach regarding those resources and, to that end, shall use that assistance to establish such a program of research or education outreach. Any such educational outreach shall be directed at an increase in, innovation regarding, or refinement of access by or of application or understanding of businesses and consumers in this state regarding, advanced energy resources.

(C) Any independent group located in this state the express objective of which is to educate small businesses in this state regarding renewable energy resources and energy efficiency programs, or any small business located in this state electing to utilize an advanced energy project or participate in an energy efficiency program, is eligible to apply for and receive assistance pursuant to section 4928.62 of the Revised Code.

(D) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the eligibility of any qualifying entity to apply for or receive assistance pursuant to section 4928.62 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 2008 SB221 07-31-2008 .