I think I missed this last November on Energy Steps to Take for a Less Pricey Winter, but we were doing all these things anyway.
The tax credits for insulation and the like.  Still dreaming about the solar electric system and the geothermal pump.........
Shopping around for cheaper energy sources?  Well, out here, there's generally only one, maybe two, propane suppliers in any one area.  And there's only one choice in Electric Providers for any one location.  Competition has not reached the hinterlands.

There's a link to Michael Bluejay's guide to Saving Electricity.  He's really got some good information going on here.
(Beige Recyclables note:  just let it slide that he also wants us to become vegetarians and drive less - he means well).

Using a Space Heater can be tricky.  Every year, somebody's house burns down because the space heater started a fire.  A space heater will allow you to turn down the thermostat on your household system so you save energy, with a few disclaimers:
Putting a space heater near the thermostat and also turning the thermostat down will make the temperature in the other rooms a LOT Lower than you might have intended.
Lowering the thermostat so far that heat doesn't get to rooms or spaces with plumbing may lead to pipes freezing.  That can be counter-productive to your budget.  The reliable Beige Recyclable Technology, Heat Tape, comes into play here too.  Don't forget to plug your heat tape in every fall after you check for damage and wear.  Remember that pets and wildlife sometimes like to chew on the wiring if they can get to it.  Once again, living in an old house, mobile home, or other alternative shelter does have it's special charms.

And that brings me to the Miraculous Amish Fireplace scam.  but, that's enough for today.......