Insulating isn't so costly. Having lined drapes AND the film on the windows isn't either. I have done all I can to reduce my use of electricity (my house is all electric) including not doing laundry until I have a full load, turning my T'stat to near 80 deg. I use my dishwasher once a week but mostly because it needs to be run occassionally. I don't use much gas because I don't drive far or often.

But lots of improvements such as dual windows and solar energy equipment is NOT cheap. We do what we can and what we can't we live with.