ON THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore how environmental and social factors influence the professional development of the electricity sector. It focuses on aligning energy and environmental perspectives with the principles of sustainable development and economic policy, as guided by European commitments. The paper emphasizes the increasing importance of considering non-technical aspects—especially societal and ecological impacts—when planning and constructing electricity infrastructure. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research applies a mixed-methods approach. Initially, expert meetings were organized with stakeholders to discuss development trends in the electricity sector, with explicit consideration of environmental and social dimensions. This was followed by a quantitative study in the form of surveys conducted before and after an educational event aimed at raising awareness and improving understanding of electricity development. The collected data were processed using various multivariate statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and factor analysis. Findings/Results and Conclusions: The findings show a significant impact of environmental and social factors on decision-making processes and strategic development in the electricity sector. Statistical analysis revealed four main interconnected factor groups: (1) energy facility management, (2) energy services, (3) application of knowledge and skills for development solutions, and (4) research projects and public awareness. The results also demonstrate measurable differences in participants' understanding before and after receiving targeted information, confirming the critical role of education and communication in the development process. Research Limitations/Implications: The study is limited to a specific regional and temporal context, which may reduce its generalizability to broader populations. The sample consists of participants from a particular educational setting, and responses are based on self-assessment, which can introduce subjective bias. Despite these limitations, the study offers valuable insights into the perception and impact of environmental-social dimensions in energy planning. Practical and/or Social Implications: This research underlines the necessity of integrating public engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and transparent communication in electricity sector planning. Recognizing societal expectations and ecological constraints can enhance public acceptance and reduce conflict during project implementation. Moreover, it suggests that informed stakeholders are more likely to support sustainable energy initiatives. Originality/Value: The paper offers a novel interdisciplinary perspective by integrating environmental and social aspects into the technical discourse of electricity sector development. The use of comparative statistical analysis to evaluate the effects of educational interventions adds value, particularly in the context of Slovenia and the broader European framework. The approach bridges gaps between engineering, policy-making, and public understanding, contributing to more holistic and inclusive energy planning. Keywords: environmental factors, awareness raising, opinion research, descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, multivariate factor analysis