I'm fortunate here in Carroll, IA, they have a budget plan for both gas and power so I use them. Every 6 months they average your last 6 months worth of bills and charge accordingly so I know exactly what my bill will be each month and figure out my budget. The water bill is the only one they won't do a budget plan for. This year for my gas bill I didn't have to pay a monthly bill for 3 months as I'd over paid by that time. Works for me this way.
Right now after 2 days of snow the temps are -9 so I'm not going outside anytime soon to finish shoveling the walks. Did the driveway and front walks last night before dinner but got so cold and my ear muffs wouldn't stay on so I came in. I feel for my poor birds and squirrels as I try to keep their seed and bread containers filled up during these days.