

                                                           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 the
     Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-_____) 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


     March 28, 1996


