This study aims to make a critical analysis of the social dimension of sustainable development as implemented within the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. Social dimension can be assessed on the basis of six social indicators, which are social accountability, local self-reliance, basic human needs, degree of participation, equity, and appropriate technology. In this context, a field study is conducted in four villages which will be affected by the Tepekışla Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant (Project). During the environmental and social impact assesment study, public participation meetings (PPM) were held by the project owners and those villages are included in this meeting. During the field study for thesis, 30 questionnaires were conducted with villagers who have participated in those PPMs. Analyses of the field data indicated that the assessment of the environmental dimension of sustainability according to the EIA By-Law has been fully fulfilled but social dimension is being avoided by the project owners during the assessment study of such energy projects. Participation of women in the current process of PPM is not encouraged in the social assessment process so that the respondents’ opinions are not well representative in terms of gender participation. Mostly, social indicators like basic human needs and local self-reliance of stakeholders shape their positive or negative perceptions of the Project. Expectation of improvement of infrastructure after the project is implemented is the main reason for positive view in addition to improvements in creation of alternative sources of income ande employment which also plays an important role for positive opinions. Morevoer, it is observed that previous experience affects opinions on the Project very much that if the previous experience is negative then the current opinion for the Project is also directly negative.