We've been on an annual budget plan for years where they bill you a fixed amount each month, and then we ante-up any overage in July and they issue an adjusted rate for the next year based on current cost. My monthly was $182/mo. but now it's $454/mo. effective July. Our boiler uses oil for both hot water and baseboard heat, and it's not like we can just rip it out and replace it with all-electric stuff without a huge outlay.
I'm really torqued over this. If you're a heating oil consumer, prepare yourself to take it in the rear.
Great suggestion. Mr. Cool and others have install videos. They're not hard to install and are much more efficient. I woud also suggest a wood burning stove. Back in my younger days up in the PNW, I was able to heat my whole house off of a wood burning stive. I know a full cord or two hardwood isnt cheap, but it will be more effective price wise than $500 a month.