EXHIBIT 23(b)

       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 Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form
          S-3 No. 333-02109) and related Prospectus of Minnesota Power &
          Light Company with respect to its Dividend Reinvestment and Stock
          Purchase 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.


                                         /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


          June 17, 1996