I have to say that I'm surprised that any reputable contractor would install baseboard heating in a new house!!! Yikes!! It is definitely the most expensive thing going!!

We have gas in our downstairs and a heat pump upstairs. Thank goodness Helen likes it cold, and she has an electric blanket, since she is the one upstairs most of time.

We use our woodstove alot to heat our living room. We close off the rooms that we can and use the warmth of the stove for the living room when we are in it.

But our combined electric, gas, and "wood" bills for this 3500 sq ft house are nothing compared to what you describe. I know that kills your budget for this month!! It would be interesting to know which things in your home pull the most electricity....I'm thinking it is not the tv or the lights, but more likely the heat!!!