Our History
Local San Diegans Denis Trafecanty and Michael Pinto founded The Protect Our Communities Foundation (PCF) in 2005 to fight SDG&E’s proposed Sunrise Powerlink transmission line project.
Despite those efforts, the Public Utilities Commission approved the project, but PCF’s work in coalition with other environmental and local advocates led to an improved route that decreased the impact on wildlife and the environment.
For over two decades, PCF has fought to protect fellow Southern Californians and the environment.
In fulfillment of its mission, PFC advocates for clean energy locally and intervenes before the California Public Utilities Commission on statewide energy issues.
PCF supports clean, local, equitable energy solutions and while fighting polluting power sources and infrastructure.
PCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization - EIN: 26-4311106
Our Mission
To advocate for affordable, reliable, equitable, local and pollution-free energy
Accomplishments
PCF has advocated in multiple CPUC proceedings against utility-backed attacks on rooftop solar. In the 2021-2022 Net Energy Metering proceeding, we highlighted how the CPUC's accounting methods undervalue rooftop solar by failing to credit it for reducing transmission and infrastructure needs—savings that benefit all ratepayers.
Protecting Rooftop Solar
PCF led a California Supreme Court petition challenging over $600 million in unnecessary SDG&E gas pipeline infrastructure that began construction without proper environmental review. While the Court declined the petition, our efforts empowered the PUC's Public Advocates Office to challenge a CPUC decision in court for the first time in its history.
Gas Pipeline Opposition
PCF opposed expanded fossil fuel plant operations in CPUC proceedings, arguing these investments divert funding from rooftop solar and battery solutions. Our advocacy contributed to the CPUC's June 2021 decision to select exclusively renewable energy sources instead of polluting generators.