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.

Philip R. Halverson

Philip R. Halverson, Esq.
Duluth, Minnesota
November 25, 2003