The unfolding drama around dangerous power poles in Otago is attracting national attention, with three separate investigations launched.

Electricity distributor Aurora and contracted infrastructure company Delta are under fire for allegedly failing to replace substandard poles.

Worksafe and the Commerce Commission are investigating, as is Dunedin City Holdings Limited.

Almost 3000 power poles need replacing in the next year, and it's estimated another 5000 will need replacing in the next five years.

A Delta manager recently quit over his concerns for people's safety as a result of the degraded infrastructure and lack of maintenance.

It's possible the fiasco will cost the Dunedin City Council millions of dollars as it owns both Aurora and Delta.

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