People in the Hudson Valley are upset about what they say are unusually high utility bills.

Many O&R customers say their bills recently went up hundreds of dollars and they were blindsided by the unexpected charges.

One local lawmaker is now demanding answers.

"We already have the highest utility rates in the nation. To see charges that are double because the temperature is just a few degrees off is a real, real problem. My phone's been ringing off the hook because people want to know exactly what they're paying for," says state Sen. David Carlucci.

Sen. Carlucci says he is calling for an investigation into the billing increase.

He says there should be more payment options for customers living on fixed incomes.