A southern electricity company is under scrutiny for allegedly failing to repair and replace dangerous power poles.

Delta admits there is a backlog of poles which need fixing or replacing, but it maintains safety is a priority.

Last week a business development manager for the company walked off the job over his concerns.

He alleges Delta staff and the public are at risk of old and damaged poles falling over.

A random sample reportedly revealed that 99% of poles needing replacement within a year didn't have the required red warning tags on them.

A dozen Delta poles allegedly toppled in one three-week period.

Delta manages the electricity network in Dunedin and Central Otago and is part of the Dunedin City Council's financial arm.

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