I've never seen an article or study that this is actually happening. I've seen plenty that say it's possible. Or that we may get some opt-in feature for a cost savings, but I've never read that it's being done by force. I've had 2 smart thermostats for almost 10 years, not once has my heat gone down without me changing it. Why would they even want to. Assuming a grand conspiracy is in place the oil barons pulling the strings would want me to burn more oil or use more juice so they can bill me.