using electricity for heating will definitely bump the bill up.

i would love to have a bill of only $200 for a quarter! i don't know anyone who has a bill that cheap any more!
We do It's in QLD though, and we tuff it out with no air con, and have solar hot water.

You'll be amazed how effective a good fluffy lap blanket and a hot water bottle can be Tasha! I was a poor student in Melbourne once upon a time. Now I'm totally acclimatised up here and really not keen to go back, heating or otherwise!