California is at the forefront of energy sustainability, driven by the surge in heat waves and electricity demand, further compounded by the increasing number of electric vehicles on its roads. With over 20% of new car sales being electric, the state faces the challenge of ensuring reliable power supply amidst growing demand. To address this, California has made significant investments in utility-scale lithium battery storage, boasting nearly 4 GW of pumped hydro and plans for over 7 GW of battery storage capacity. Southern California Edison (SCE) has been a trailblazer in adopting renewables and intelligent battery energy storage systems to meet electricity demand, leading the way in the transition from traditional power plants. Despite facing delays in projects like the one contracted with Ameresco, SCE remains committed to innovation and grid improvements, investing billions in the transformation. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) showcases the potential of intelligent storage with the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility, powered by Tesla Megapacks and utilizing AI for optimal market participation. San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE) has been deploying BESS projects, like the Westside Canal lithium-battery system, to enhance grid reliability and support peak hour demand. These initiatives highlight California's pioneering path towards energy sustainability and grid modernization, setting an example for the rest of the world.