A few thoughts....
Last year I had the highest power bill I've ever had and it was between the heating and cooling seasons so it should have been lower than usual. When I called the power company to have them double check the meter, the representative told me it sounded to her like I had a water leak on a hot water line (causing the water heater to run continuously). She was 100% correct. It wasn't leaking enough for me to notice low water pressure, just enough to cause a huge bill.
The Dept. of Energy has a weatherization assistance program that is administered through regional organizations. Google weatherization program and your location to find the group closest to you. Get on their list. If you're disabled and on a fixed income you will likely qualify. They do an energy audit on your home, insulate, repair furnaces, replace leaky windows, doors etc. It's free if you qualify and it can make a tremendous difference in your heating and cooling costs. Many cities offer programs that do renovations and repairs either through grant funding or through low interest forgivable loans (no repayment if you remain in the property a certain # of years).
If you have an electric dryer, vent it inside. You can buy a filter for the end of the hose or use a sock to catch lint that makes it past the lint trap. You'll get free heat and add a bit of humidity to the air as you do your laundry. You mentioned not using the oven much. Use it and when dinner is done leave the oven door open so the warm air vents to the room (don't leave the oven on). As others have mentioned, opening blinds/curtains during the day to let the sun warm things up helps. Make sure you close them when the sun sets or you'll lose heat. I'm assuming you do not have a fireplace. That's the best free heat around.
If you have a few extra dollars you can try space heaters. Kerosene heaters work if you can stand the odor. Don't use them when you sleep though. A couple of those electric radiators on the low wattage setting use less power than one on the high. So far, I've had the best luck with one of those edenpure style heaters. They blow air about as warm as a hairdryer but mine has had very little impact on my power bill and will keep the room it is located in quite warm. I live in a small house though. If you have huge rooms and really high ceilings, your experience may differ. That style is really safe and I leave mine on overnight and sometimes even when I'm not home. I've never done that with any other style of space heater. As my grandmother got older and more cold natured, she bought an electric throw (electric blanket for covering up while on the sofa or chair) rather than raising the thermostat setting. I personally don't care for electric blankets b/c of EMF concerns and improper use (like piling other blankets on top) can cause fires.
Whatever route you take, I hope you find a cheaper way to stay warm
