EXHIBIT 23(b)

                           CONSENT OF GENERAL COUNSEL

The statements as to matters of law and legal conclusions under "Description of
Common Stock" in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 relating to the
Minnesota Power and Affiliated Companies Retirement Savings and Stock Ownership
Plan and in the documents incorporated in this Registration Statement by
reference have been reviewed by me and are set forth or incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement by reference in reliance on my opinion
as an expert. I hereby consent to the use of my name in this Registration
Statement.

Deborah A. Amberg

Deborah A. Amberg, Esq.
Duluth, Minnesota
April 29, 2005