Many utilities offer bill discounts if you install a thermostat they can control during peak events. Some even will install radio-contolled switches on water heaters. Electric utilities have a VERY strong incentive to try and shave peak load during high-demand events.
Source: I worked for an electric utility. We even took our buildings off the grid and ran on generator during peak-load events. It was cheaper to burn diesel then contribute to the load.
If they are US routes or interstates then yes. If they are state or county/township roads than probably not. Though if I recall correctly if a local road has an over/underpass of an interstate federal funds could be used to help maintain or rebuild those bridges. That part I'm fuzzy on though so could be wrong.