EXHIBIT 23(b)

                           CONSENT OF GENERAL COUNSEL


     The  statements of law and legal  conclusions  under "Item 1.  Business" in
ALLETE's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 2002 have
been  reviewed by me and are set forth therein in reliance upon my opinion as an
expert.

     I hereby consent to the  incorporation  by reference of such  statements of
law and legal conclusions in Registration  Statement Nos. 333-02109,  333-40797,
333-58945, 333-41882, 333-54330, 333-57104, 333-71320 and 333-91346 on Form S-3,
and  Registration  Statement Nos.  33-51989,  333-26755,  333-16445,  333-16463,
333-82901 and 333-91348 on Form S-8.


Philip R. Halverson

Philip R. Halverson
Duluth, Minnesota
February 13, 2003