Exhibit 23(b) LOGO ERNST & YOUNG LLP One Indiana Square Phone: 317 681 7000 Suite 3400 Fax: 317 681 7216 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2094 Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333- ) of Minnesota Power & Light Company pertaining to the Minnesota Power Director Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 17, 1996 (except Note 13, as to which the date is January 19, 1996), with respect to the consolidated financial statements of ADESA Corporation for the six months ended December 31, 1995 (not presented separately therein) which are included in the consolidated financial statements of Minnesota Power & Light Company that are incorporated by reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1995, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ernst & Young LLP November 19, 1996 Ernst & Young LLP is a member of Ernst & Young International, Ltd.