Exhibit 23(b)
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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.