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