A far-reaching overhaul and expansion of the electricity grid is currently underway in Germany. This is repeatedly giving rise to local conflicts. Residents oppose new power lines, set up citizens’ initiatives and organise protests. The debates are conducted with great passion and emotion. Members of the Bundestag play a key role as mediators between federal policy decisions and local concerns. On the one hand, citizens expect them to take a clear stance and play an active role as advocates for their interests. On the other hand, transmission system operators assume that politicians will justify the decisions taken and ensure that they can be implemented as smoothly as possible. This TAB background paper summarises academic findings and practical experience regarding communication and public participation in grid expansion and, based on this, provides guidance on possible courses of action for communication strategies and participation procedures. Members of the German Bundestag whose constituencies are home to planned grid expansion projects are thus to be supported in dealing with the resulting clashes of interest and conflicts at local level.