Of course my first thought is why don't you install a solar array with battery backup; you would have constant power even when the grid is down and the advantage of free self consumption all year 'round ...but that's just me
On a more instant and affordable note, consider plugging in an oil filled radiator with a thermostat in your basement and set it a few degrees below what you are setting your hvac system at. It shouldn't come on unless your regular heat system has failed but if it does it will be the best 80 bucks you ever spent
...unless the heat is out because we have had an ice storm and you have lost power for a couple of days, in which case give me a call next Spring
