Exhibit 23(a)

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-166515, 333-170289) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-16445, 333-91348, 333-105225, 333-162890) of ALLETE, Inc. of our reportdated February 15, 2012, relating to the financial statements,financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

February 15, 2012