<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#Acquisitions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionOfNonControllingInterestDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#AcquisitionsAcquisitionOfNonControllingInterestDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsAndWTechnologiesDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#AcquisitionsAndWTechnologiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsArmeniaMountainDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#AcquisitionsArmeniaMountainDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsChanarambieVikingDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#AcquisitionsChanarambieVikingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#AcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsTable" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#AcquisitionsTable" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsUSWaterServicesDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#AcquisitionsUSWaterServicesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsWestDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#AcquisitionsWestDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/BusinessSegments" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#BusinessSegments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/BusinessSegmentsDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#BusinessSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#BusinessSegmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingencies" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesCoalRailAndShippingContractsDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesCoalRailAndShippingContractsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesEnvironmentalMattersDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesEnvironmentalMattersDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesLeasingAgreementsDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesLeasingAgreementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesOtherMattersDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesOtherMattersDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesPowerPurchaseAgreementsDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesPowerPurchaseAgreementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesTransmissionDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesTransmissionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheet" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheet" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticals" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticals" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfCashFlows" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeParentheticals" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeParentheticals" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfEquityConsolidatedStatementOfEquity" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfEquityConsolidatedStatementOfEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfIncome" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/EarningsPerShareAndCommonStock" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#EarningsPerShareAndCommonStock" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/EarningsPerShareAndCommonStockDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#EarningsPerShareAndCommonStockDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/EarningsPerShareAndCommonStockTables" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#EarningsPerShareAndCommonStockTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/FairValue" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#FairValue" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnNonrecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnNonrecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/FairValueFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#FairValueFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/FairValueRecurringFairValueMeasuresDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#FairValueRecurringFairValueMeasuresDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/FairValueTables" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#FairValueTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/IncomeTaxExpense" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#IncomeTaxExpense" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/IncomeTaxExpenseDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#IncomeTaxExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/IncomeTaxExpenseTables" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#IncomeTaxExpenseTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/InvestmentInAtc" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#InvestmentInAtc" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/InvestmentInAtcDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#InvestmentInAtcDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/InvestmentInAtcTables" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#InvestmentInAtcTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/Investments" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#Investments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/InvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#InvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesNewAccountingStandardsDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesNewAccountingStandardsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesSupplementalStatementOfCashFlowsInformationDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesSupplementalStatementOfCashFlowsInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlans" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTables" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/ReclassificationsOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ReclassificationsOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMatters" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#RegulatoryMatters" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersConservationImprovementProgramCipDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#RegulatoryMattersConservationImprovementProgramCipDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersGreatNorthernTransmissionLineGntlDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#RegulatoryMattersGreatNorthernTransmissionLineGntlDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersIntegratedResourcePlanDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#RegulatoryMattersIntegratedResourcePlanDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersMinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#RegulatoryMattersMinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersMisoReturnOnEquityComplaintsDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#RegulatoryMattersMisoReturnOnEquityComplaintsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#RegulatoryMattersRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersTables" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#RegulatoryMattersTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersUtilityRatesDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#RegulatoryMattersUtilityRatesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermDebt" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ShortTermAndLongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ShortTermAndLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermDebtFinancialCovenantsDetails" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ShortTermAndLongTermDebtFinancialCovenantsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.allete.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermDebtShortTermAndLongTermDebtTables" xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ShortTermAndLongTermDebtShortTermAndLongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionOfNonControllingInterestDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems_333AC9077714699020CD1C599BC181C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable_900DDCB7CE19720A76D81C599BC04CCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems_333AC9077714699020CD1C599BC181C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable_900DDCB7CE19720A76D81C599BC04CCF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5E1400D88D9280F84A761C599BC0EEF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable_900DDCB7CE19720A76D81C599BC04CCF" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5E1400D88D9280F84A761C599BC0EEF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1101E4D8F3F68FC951D51C599BC04EC8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5E1400D88D9280F84A761C599BC0EEF1" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1101E4D8F3F68FC951D51C599BC04EC8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1101E4D8F3F68FC951D51C599BC04EC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5E1400D88D9280F84A761C599BC0EEF1" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1101E4D8F3F68FC951D51C599BC04EC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ALLETECleanEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_ALLETECleanEnergyMember_EB2A624D5E0A91FD23C21C599BC1EE31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1101E4D8F3F68FC951D51C599BC04EC8" xlink:to="loc_ale_ALLETECleanEnergyMember_EB2A624D5E0A91FD23C21C599BC1EE31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries_29AD9BCC8A285D21A6E71C599BC10D0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems_333AC9077714699020CD1C599BC181C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries_29AD9BCC8A285D21A6E71C599BC10D0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingGainsLosses_91C91467A5CCEEF465FA1C5D85481610" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems_333AC9077714699020CD1C599BC181C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingGainsLosses_91C91467A5CCEEF465FA1C5D85481610" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsAndWTechnologiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4444F93EEE2023B47C8022E7369A811" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_D7B3FC62D79F4207138B022E7369C6E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4444F93EEE2023B47C8022E7369A811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_D7B3FC62D79F4207138B022E7369C6E3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DB6A941F66EDCDBAD3AC022E7369C5C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_D7B3FC62D79F4207138B022E7369C6E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DB6A941F66EDCDBAD3AC022E7369C5C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_26642D3765E1CC6B2894022E7369EF1F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DB6A941F66EDCDBAD3AC022E7369C5C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_26642D3765E1CC6B2894022E7369EF1F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_26642D3765E1CC6B2894022E7369EF1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DB6A941F66EDCDBAD3AC022E7369C5C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_26642D3765E1CC6B2894022E7369EF1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_AandWTechnologiesInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_AandWTechnologiesInc.Member_8A60262809172523689C022E73698AD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_26642D3765E1CC6B2894022E7369EF1F" xlink:to="loc_ale_AandWTechnologiesInc.Member_8A60262809172523689C022E73698AD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_15AB85DDFF4875A4B09A022E73699494" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4444F93EEE2023B47C8022E7369A811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_15AB85DDFF4875A4B09A022E73699494" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_79DF4B91A8EFAC963D5F022E7369E420" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4444F93EEE2023B47C8022E7369A811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_79DF4B91A8EFAC963D5F022E7369E420" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_79647C519285F50FAC76022E7369113E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4444F93EEE2023B47C8022E7369A811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_79647C519285F50FAC76022E7369113E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_00421680FFD08D63AD07022E7369C9C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4444F93EEE2023B47C8022E7369A811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_00421680FFD08D63AD07022E7369C9C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_C09E75C4C047FD8160F5022E7369AEB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4444F93EEE2023B47C8022E7369A811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_C09E75C4C047FD8160F5022E7369AEB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_25B88FBE3833A1D6AF28022E73691185" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4444F93EEE2023B47C8022E7369A811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_25B88FBE3833A1D6AF28022E73691185" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets_52A60ED91114E4387539022E73692158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_25B88FBE3833A1D6AF28022E73691185" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets_52A60ED91114E4387539022E73692158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_448C8EDBA35F82677D9E022E7369C66B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_25B88FBE3833A1D6AF28022E73691185" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_448C8EDBA35F82677D9E022E7369C66B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_5BE2957173E41111F54B022E73693EB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_25B88FBE3833A1D6AF28022E73691185" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_5BE2957173E41111F54B022E73693EB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_E2AC1DB737CD700451EA022E73697DDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_25B88FBE3833A1D6AF28022E73691185" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_E2AC1DB737CD700451EA022E73697DDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_2BA29BDC6D94C61D0823022E73731878" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_25B88FBE3833A1D6AF28022E73691185" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_2BA29BDC6D94C61D0823022E73731878" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_2B4A431DD156407EF29D022E73739E60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4444F93EEE2023B47C8022E7369A811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_2B4A431DD156407EF29D022E73739E60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_00706BB7E311ED01C11F022E7373F3D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_2B4A431DD156407EF29D022E73739E60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_00706BB7E311ED01C11F022E7373F3D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_8C6CFBA0E1D8B4EA7633022E73738502" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_2B4A431DD156407EF29D022E73739E60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_8C6CFBA0E1D8B4EA7633022E73738502" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_1EA31D2402C3660B1766022E73733FC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4444F93EEE2023B47C8022E7369A811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_1EA31D2402C3660B1766022E73733FC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_63E86D51C7B18FED78AC022E73732423" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4444F93EEE2023B47C8022E7369A811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_63E86D51C7B18FED78AC022E73732423" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsArmeniaMountainDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_EC55A11EF4FB7841A2145191E31B1FCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_EC55A11EF4FB7841A2145191E31B1FCB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_007EAD0839FEA7BAC1265191E31B1762" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_EC55A11EF4FB7841A2145191E31B1FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_007EAD0839FEA7BAC1265191E31B1762" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C3822F3189227F8F59AB5191E31BD948_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_007EAD0839FEA7BAC1265191E31B1762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C3822F3189227F8F59AB5191E31BD948_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C3822F3189227F8F59AB5191E31BD948" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_007EAD0839FEA7BAC1265191E31B1762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C3822F3189227F8F59AB5191E31BD948" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ArmeniaMountainMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_ArmeniaMountainMember_39B2808176B5FE745EA05191E31C67FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C3822F3189227F8F59AB5191E31BD948" xlink:to="loc_ale_ArmeniaMountainMember_39B2808176B5FE745EA05191E31C67FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_F107E205CDDBEA0569795191E31C9713" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_EC55A11EF4FB7841A2145191E31B1FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_F107E205CDDBEA0569795191E31C9713" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_07AA43814663D917BCE05191E31C0215_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_F107E205CDDBEA0569795191E31C9713" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_07AA43814663D917BCE05191E31C0215_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_07AA43814663D917BCE05191E31C0215" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_F107E205CDDBEA0569795191E31C9713" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_07AA43814663D917BCE05191E31C0215" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ArmeniaMountainPPAsexpire2024Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_ArmeniaMountainPPAsexpire2024Member_0AE54B852228C62331165191E31CA867" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_07AA43814663D917BCE05191E31C0215" xlink:to="loc_ale_ArmeniaMountainPPAsexpire2024Member_0AE54B852228C62331165191E31CA867" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_4A6F1561B38C4A6A37BF5191E31CDD75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_4A6F1561B38C4A6A37BF5191E31CDD75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_BBB6E273C37FC9F2D96D5191E31CED18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_BBB6E273C37FC9F2D96D5191E31CED18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_B27DA8031A27B4D2D7145191E31CB1DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_B27DA8031A27B4D2D7145191E31CB1DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingCapacityMw" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_2AAE83D3EB614B569B2F5191E31CF3C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_2AAE83D3EB614B569B2F5191E31CF3C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_BBDA6B3857A910EE37F25191E31C72E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_BBDA6B3857A910EE37F25191E31C72E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets_16539BABB5E2CFADB9405191E31C9A71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_BBDA6B3857A910EE37F25191E31C72E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets_16539BABB5E2CFADB9405191E31C9A71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_A7BB12489ABDDF6A560E5191E31C2204" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_BBDA6B3857A910EE37F25191E31C72E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_A7BB12489ABDDF6A560E5191E31C2204" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_0E441C4159F6A2C671405191E31C6BDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_BBDA6B3857A910EE37F25191E31C72E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_0E441C4159F6A2C671405191E31C6BDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_A82AFE6296C80460D8BF5191E31C0DC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_BBDA6B3857A910EE37F25191E31C72E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_A82AFE6296C80460D8BF5191E31C0DC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_9EEB543EE3EB45E562DD5191E31C8715" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_9EEB543EE3EB45E562DD5191E31C8715" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther_792310B303EC4483A1B35191E31D8697" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_9EEB543EE3EB45E562DD5191E31C8715" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther_792310B303EC4483A1B35191E31D8697" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_0AD9E81FABA5C369F8505191E31DFB90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_9EEB543EE3EB45E562DD5191E31C8715" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_0AD9E81FABA5C369F8505191E31DFB90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_B7C2742C5AB1B19AF5875191E31DA66E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_9EEB543EE3EB45E562DD5191E31C8715" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_B7C2742C5AB1B19AF5875191E31DA66E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_F7BC31DEC1969F79406E5191E31D8B1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_9EEB543EE3EB45E562DD5191E31C8715" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_F7BC31DEC1969F79406E5191E31D8B1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_C9C72F47E644A7BEF2C55191E31D1618" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_9EEB543EE3EB45E562DD5191E31C8715" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_C9C72F47E644A7BEF2C55191E31D1618" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_165B7D0669B7372BA2415191E31D61A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_165B7D0669B7372BA2415191E31D61A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_PowerPurchaseAgreementsCurrentAsset" xlink:label="loc_ale_PowerPurchaseAgreementsCurrentAsset_EC820AAA04F217CDD4F05191E31DB7A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_ale_PowerPurchaseAgreementsCurrentAsset_EC820AAA04F217CDD4F05191E31DB7A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_8A926EEF2BD9401126F45191E31D2611" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_8A926EEF2BD9401126F45191E31D2611" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_PowerPurchaseAgreementsNoncurrentAsset" xlink:label="loc_ale_PowerPurchaseAgreementsNoncurrentAsset_206F189706893955AA3D5191E31DEE49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_ale_PowerPurchaseAgreementsNoncurrentAsset_206F189706893955AA3D5191E31DEE49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent_AAE52918B558EF379A885191E31DEA25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent_AAE52918B558EF379A885191E31DEA25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_41F1568352DB3AA87A305191E31DD2D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_41F1568352DB3AA87A305191E31DD2D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_199C2656ECF73B2038CC5191E31DB346" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_20609D78E4FD5D88CE875191E31C5920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_199C2656ECF73B2038CC5191E31DB346" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsChanarambieVikingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7B5748B46FF492A987975191E2E4A28F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7B5748B46FF492A987975191E2E4A28F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_616A88BFC91AD2066CEF5191E2E44176" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7B5748B46FF492A987975191E2E4A28F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_616A88BFC91AD2066CEF5191E2E44176" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_168EB8C1B71A09E5A1C75191E2E42951_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_616A88BFC91AD2066CEF5191E2E44176" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_168EB8C1B71A09E5A1C75191E2E42951_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_168EB8C1B71A09E5A1C75191E2E42951" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_616A88BFC91AD2066CEF5191E2E44176" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_168EB8C1B71A09E5A1C75191E2E42951" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ChanarambieVikingMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_ChanarambieVikingMember_03108988F4FEEB0187955191E2E5E22C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_168EB8C1B71A09E5A1C75191E2E42951" xlink:to="loc_ale_ChanarambieVikingMember_03108988F4FEEB0187955191E2E5E22C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_BB1BB83D744E59B7DAF25191E2E517CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7B5748B46FF492A987975191E2E4A28F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_BB1BB83D744E59B7DAF25191E2E517CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_D976D29E8DD0EACA8FFF5191E2E5A711_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_BB1BB83D744E59B7DAF25191E2E517CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_D976D29E8DD0EACA8FFF5191E2E5A711_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_D976D29E8DD0EACA8FFF5191E2E5A711" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_BB1BB83D744E59B7DAF25191E2E517CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_D976D29E8DD0EACA8FFF5191E2E5A711" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ChanarambieVikingPPAexpires2018Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_ChanarambieVikingPPAexpires2018Member_1099892BA8FD2EE0984F5191E2E5707F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_D976D29E8DD0EACA8FFF5191E2E5A711" xlink:to="loc_ale_ChanarambieVikingPPAexpires2018Member_1099892BA8FD2EE0984F5191E2E5707F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ChanarambieVikingPPAexpires2023Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_ChanarambieVikingPPAexpires2023Member_B988228D591615188BE15191E2E5967B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_D976D29E8DD0EACA8FFF5191E2E5A711" xlink:to="loc_ale_ChanarambieVikingPPAexpires2023Member_B988228D591615188BE15191E2E5967B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_A44808589FEA18A270965191E2E50120" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_A44808589FEA18A270965191E2E50120" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_E34F13503D8461E089455191E2E5B859" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_E34F13503D8461E089455191E2E5B859" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_1ED7622B17F51BCEF90A5191E2E5F431" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_1ED7622B17F51BCEF90A5191E2E5F431" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingCapacityMw" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_2CA38A4BA07EB6A52DE15191E2E50E7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_2CA38A4BA07EB6A52DE15191E2E50E7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_FB359F82F4A8195C839D5191E2E53F6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_FB359F82F4A8195C839D5191E2E53F6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets_02D2750A1609FEAA66945191E2E59506" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_FB359F82F4A8195C839D5191E2E53F6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets_02D2750A1609FEAA66945191E2E59506" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_FD2BA4B0B3D949D1D0F35191E2E5AE2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_FB359F82F4A8195C839D5191E2E53F6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_FD2BA4B0B3D949D1D0F35191E2E5AE2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_2C2C51FE62AACFD19B795191E2E5A809" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_FB359F82F4A8195C839D5191E2E53F6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_2C2C51FE62AACFD19B795191E2E5A809" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_5A414BB69398E5823A2B5191E2E6ECC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_FB359F82F4A8195C839D5191E2E53F6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_5A414BB69398E5823A2B5191E2E6ECC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_E5CEB4437513229482665191E2E625C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_E5CEB4437513229482665191E2E625C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_C403B00249B91DD072DE5191E2E627A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_E5CEB4437513229482665191E2E625C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_C403B00249B91DD072DE5191E2E627A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_PowerPurchaseAgreementNoncurrentLiability" xlink:label="loc_ale_PowerPurchaseAgreementNoncurrentLiability_2547531E359B3F044D785191E2E6F617" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_E5CEB4437513229482665191E2E625C2" xlink:to="loc_ale_PowerPurchaseAgreementNoncurrentLiability_2547531E359B3F044D785191E2E6F617" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_291ECFA6CDCCFFE1141D5191E2E69C84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_E5CEB4437513229482665191E2E625C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_291ECFA6CDCCFFE1141D5191E2E69C84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_5F514813E43A15D4F8325191E2E6D704" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_E5CEB4437513229482665191E2E625C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_5F514813E43A15D4F8325191E2E6D704" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_BFD05E2144DABD02F92D5191E2E634BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_BFD05E2144DABD02F92D5191E2E634BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_778F671A49B66D986ABF5191E2E634ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_778F671A49B66D986ABF5191E2E634ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_C66ECC71A045764B16FD5191E2E6D173" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_C66ECC71A045764B16FD5191E2E6D173" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_PowerPurchaseAgreementCurrentLiability" xlink:label="loc_ale_PowerPurchaseAgreementCurrentLiability_D922C91D429F47022ED25191E2E6A4F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:to="loc_ale_PowerPurchaseAgreementCurrentLiability_D922C91D429F47022ED25191E2E6A4F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_49366B7A1EE1660766435191E2E653A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8D71C46E27F9CB09AB6D5191E2E5A0A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_49366B7A1EE1660766435191E2E653A2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsTable" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_89C6FCE81EB1334F77AEFC93328AAF91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_634008D626A864071EA3FC93328A9317" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_89C6FCE81EB1334F77AEFC93328AAF91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_634008D626A864071EA3FC93328A9317" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F551CF6D7DD83CD00A89FC93328A75C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_634008D626A864071EA3FC93328A9317" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F551CF6D7DD83CD00A89FC93328A75C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2B8495E12E0A2DB3BEEAFC93328A4D56_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F551CF6D7DD83CD00A89FC93328A75C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2B8495E12E0A2DB3BEEAFC93328A4D56_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2B8495E12E0A2DB3BEEAFC93328A4D56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F551CF6D7DD83CD00A89FC93328A75C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2B8495E12E0A2DB3BEEAFC93328A4D56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_U.S.WaterServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_U.S.WaterServicesMember_F27BF789DBC7B2DDB7DAFC93328A9DBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2B8495E12E0A2DB3BEEAFC93328A4D56" xlink:to="loc_ale_U.S.WaterServicesMember_F27BF789DBC7B2DDB7DAFC93328A9DBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ChanarambieVikingMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_ChanarambieVikingMember_CB7ED45AB3D602318C79FC93328A83FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2B8495E12E0A2DB3BEEAFC93328A4D56" xlink:to="loc_ale_ChanarambieVikingMember_CB7ED45AB3D602318C79FC93328A83FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ArmeniaMountainMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_ArmeniaMountainMember_F87531785CCD65E8BB39FC93328A2DDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2B8495E12E0A2DB3BEEAFC93328A4D56" xlink:to="loc_ale_ArmeniaMountainMember_F87531785CCD65E8BB39FC93328A2DDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_AandWTechnologiesInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_AandWTechnologiesInc.Member_8B8F7B06012B2A7E6644FC93328AFF88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2B8495E12E0A2DB3BEEAFC93328A4D56" xlink:to="loc_ale_AandWTechnologiesInc.Member_8B8F7B06012B2A7E6644FC93328AFF88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_B4CF9DA1EF377E1FEDF9FC93328A08A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_89C6FCE81EB1334F77AEFC93328AAF91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_B4CF9DA1EF377E1FEDF9FC93328A08A3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsUSWaterServicesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_374F86D2A14627F7245F07B853F70F18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_374F86D2A14627F7245F07B853F70F18" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B51B727E765916D83BF107B853F7B34D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_374F86D2A14627F7245F07B853F70F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B51B727E765916D83BF107B853F7B34D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_65BBBCEB6EA2F571BC1B07B853F7705A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B51B727E765916D83BF107B853F7B34D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_65BBBCEB6EA2F571BC1B07B853F7705A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_65BBBCEB6EA2F571BC1B07B853F7705A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B51B727E765916D83BF107B853F7B34D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_65BBBCEB6EA2F571BC1B07B853F7705A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_U.S.WaterServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_U.S.WaterServicesMember_638E8C49EF86CD4BE9B807B853F7F2E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_65BBBCEB6EA2F571BC1B07B853F7705A" xlink:to="loc_ale_U.S.WaterServicesMember_638E8C49EF86CD4BE9B807B853F7F2E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_082504CBE1A3620F735407B853F7C48A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_082504CBE1A3620F735407B853F7C48A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_4625253D74E246F519C607B853F7E611" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_4625253D74E246F519C607B853F7E611" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_DA60E233D175176E253B07B853F7E1F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_DA60E233D175176E253B07B853F7E1F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_EFC3C34753FED2C4AE8707B853F7BE43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_EFC3C34753FED2C4AE8707B853F7BE43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_BusinessCombinationPercentofResultsofOperationsReflectedinIncomeStatement" xlink:label="loc_ale_BusinessCombinationPercentofResultsofOperationsReflectedinIncomeStatement_DC0477645B8E3D82D2AA07B853F7E7C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_ale_BusinessCombinationPercentofResultsofOperationsReflectedinIncomeStatement_DC0477645B8E3D82D2AA07B853F7E7C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_37A33DF301EF48F434B807B853F76F1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_37A33DF301EF48F434B807B853F76F1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_C6B594FFC883E7F5BE9E07B853F73C5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_C6B594FFC883E7F5BE9E07B853F73C5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_D45E53F3C137B1984E4607B853F70B54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_C6B594FFC883E7F5BE9E07B853F73C5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_D45E53F3C137B1984E4607B853F70B54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_78F4D6CAF8355F4F399C07B853F7A2F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_C6B594FFC883E7F5BE9E07B853F73C5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_78F4D6CAF8355F4F399C07B853F7A2F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory_9AB1B33A662730CD1A7607B853F71E5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_C6B594FFC883E7F5BE9E07B853F73C5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory_9AB1B33A662730CD1A7607B853F71E5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_88E931F8AB077526836507B853F7AAA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_C6B594FFC883E7F5BE9E07B853F73C5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_88E931F8AB077526836507B853F7AAA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_7C7F7BE821CEDAEFCAEE07B853F72B6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_C6B594FFC883E7F5BE9E07B853F73C5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_7C7F7BE821CEDAEFCAEE07B853F72B6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_CA3BF6D5F8CB95BD961007B853F7760B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_C6B594FFC883E7F5BE9E07B853F73C5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_CA3BF6D5F8CB95BD961007B853F7760B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_E58DD14ECF9F5812355107B853F71DD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_C6B594FFC883E7F5BE9E07B853F73C5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_E58DD14ECF9F5812355107B853F71DD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_7B08EFA54CDB6C23B30F07B853F7A61B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_C6B594FFC883E7F5BE9E07B853F73C5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_7B08EFA54CDB6C23B30F07B853F7A61B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_FAB0B8EE63098C500F6C07B853F7ED17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_C6B594FFC883E7F5BE9E07B853F73C5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_FAB0B8EE63098C500F6C07B853F7ED17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_17A75407FF9D872BA99507B853F768B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_17A75407FF9D872BA99507B853F768B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_B6B627DA820BB6B4E3B007B853F7429D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_17A75407FF9D872BA99507B853F768B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_B6B627DA820BB6B4E3B007B853F7429D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilities_B9F0365F5D035E865E7D07B853F78268" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_17A75407FF9D872BA99507B853F768B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilities_B9F0365F5D035E865E7D07B853F78268" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_1970F097EB3C2518020B07B853F79A17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_17A75407FF9D872BA99507B853F768B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_1970F097EB3C2518020B07B853F79A17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_83F3F617C0CDDA613FD507B853F7768F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_83F3F617C0CDDA613FD507B853F7768F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_BusinesscombinationFairValueAdjustmentforWorkinProcessandFinishedGoods" xlink:label="loc_ale_BusinesscombinationFairValueAdjustmentforWorkinProcessandFinishedGoods_45196A7015C9B80779D007B853F7B741" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_ale_BusinesscombinationFairValueAdjustmentforWorkinProcessandFinishedGoods_45196A7015C9B80779D007B853F7B741" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_BusinessCombinationFairValueofSalesBacklog" xlink:label="loc_ale_BusinessCombinationFairValueofSalesBacklog_21F9448FFFE8123EA5E907B853F72074" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_ale_BusinessCombinationFairValueofSalesBacklog_21F9448FFFE8123EA5E907B853F72074" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_7F8C647BCBDD714A639407B853F7B92D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_7F8C647BCBDD714A639407B853F7B92D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_42CD74D2CA47720B6F9107B853F7F3EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_42CD74D2CA47720B6F9107B853F7F3EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_5705D151E50824DECCFD07B853F76F9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4FC048F0689E6232FB1707B853F7C60E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_5705D151E50824DECCFD07B853F76F9F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/AcquisitionsWestDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7DAFF4342FA5DDA473280B7A3740129D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_32E205A4EF150BB17A220B7A3740A98D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7DAFF4342FA5DDA473280B7A3740129D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_32E205A4EF150BB17A220B7A3740A98D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_00F855A47D7697DA37BE0B7AF69189EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_32E205A4EF150BB17A220B7A3740A98D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_00F855A47D7697DA37BE0B7AF69189EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_58F08C250B60A4A82A060B7AF71D5949_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_00F855A47D7697DA37BE0B7AF69189EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_58F08C250B60A4A82A060B7AF71D5949_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_58F08C250B60A4A82A060B7AF71D5949" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_00F855A47D7697DA37BE0B7AF69189EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_58F08C250B60A4A82A060B7AF71D5949" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_61698468326D07454FA40B7B47A0FB43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_58F08C250B60A4A82A060B7AF71D5949" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_61698468326D07454FA40B7B47A0FB43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7BE0855E2820A87C8FC20B7A37406A09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_32E205A4EF150BB17A220B7A3740A98D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7BE0855E2820A87C8FC20B7A37406A09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4DB0ED90212311E927550B7A3740CD36_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7BE0855E2820A87C8FC20B7A37406A09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4DB0ED90212311E927550B7A3740CD36_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4DB0ED90212311E927550B7A3740CD36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7BE0855E2820A87C8FC20B7A37406A09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4DB0ED90212311E927550B7A3740CD36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_WaterEnergySystemsTechnologyofNevadaInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_WaterEnergySystemsTechnologyofNevadaInc.Member_4AAA670DF7D6F434359B0B7A37402247" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4DB0ED90212311E927550B7A3740CD36" xlink:to="loc_ale_WaterEnergySystemsTechnologyofNevadaInc.Member_4AAA670DF7D6F434359B0B7A37402247" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_63B7321C3D6A041C1A5D0B7A3740D8D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7DAFF4342FA5DDA473280B7A3740129D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_63B7321C3D6A041C1A5D0B7A3740D8D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_ED16165901034AD9668A0B7A3740A430" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7DAFF4342FA5DDA473280B7A3740129D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_ED16165901034AD9668A0B7A3740A430" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_8921E4A02E03994BA4D90B7A3740A391" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7DAFF4342FA5DDA473280B7A3740129D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_8921E4A02E03994BA4D90B7A3740A391" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_83DA34247483EF79F01F0B7A3740F43F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7DAFF4342FA5DDA473280B7A3740129D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_83DA34247483EF79F01F0B7A3740F43F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_FA279DB02FCCD3146D980B7A37404FB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7DAFF4342FA5DDA473280B7A3740129D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_FA279DB02FCCD3146D980B7A37404FB4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/BusinessSegments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/BusinessSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_370E7614552761F286800B7E001E758B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_4615D4816C784C92485D0B7E001E445C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_370E7614552761F286800B7E001E758B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_4615D4816C784C92485D0B7E001E445C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_946346DBC63BEB0358580B7E001EDF52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_4615D4816C784C92485D0B7E001E445C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_946346DBC63BEB0358580B7E001EDF52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_984E6F316D329DBA10130B7E001E7764_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_946346DBC63BEB0358580B7E001EDF52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_984E6F316D329DBA10130B7E001E7764_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_984E6F316D329DBA10130B7E001E7764" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_946346DBC63BEB0358580B7E001EDF52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_984E6F316D329DBA10130B7E001E7764" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_RegulatedOperationsMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_RegulatedOperationsMemberMember_1EC281296BBEDDF4D4510B7E001EBA07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_984E6F316D329DBA10130B7E001E7764" xlink:to="loc_ale_RegulatedOperationsMemberMember_1EC281296BBEDDF4D4510B7E001EBA07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ALLETECleanEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_ALLETECleanEnergyMember_01C5C8292E4362931C430B7E001EE253" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_984E6F316D329DBA10130B7E001E7764" xlink:to="loc_ale_ALLETECleanEnergyMember_01C5C8292E4362931C430B7E001EE253" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_U.S.WaterServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_U.S.WaterServicesMember_5699FDC9EFCE603E30180B7E001E7465" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_984E6F316D329DBA10130B7E001E7764" xlink:to="loc_ale_U.S.WaterServicesMember_5699FDC9EFCE603E30180B7E001E7465" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_5900FCC5058D6492BFEA0B7E001E498C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_984E6F316D329DBA10130B7E001E7764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_5900FCC5058D6492BFEA0B7E001E498C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_FCB1C2F995662855739B0B7E001E13C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_370E7614552761F286800B7E001E758B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_FCB1C2F995662855739B0B7E001E13C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AreaOfLand" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AreaOfLand_0A868FAB03E75F82E59B0B7E001EEDC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_370E7614552761F286800B7E001E758B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AreaOfLand_0A868FAB03E75F82E59B0B7E001EEDC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_168309EA96147F559B6D0B7E001E5C30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_370E7614552761F286800B7E001E758B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_168309EA96147F559B6D0B7E001E5C30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_AB331F31FDDC59427CEC0B7E001E1A31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_370E7614552761F286800B7E001E758B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_AB331F31FDDC59427CEC0B7E001E1A31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_3E74AD30750758B0E4A50B7E001EEC6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_370E7614552761F286800B7E001E758B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_3E74AD30750758B0E4A50B7E001EEC6A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesCoalRailAndShippingContractsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_FBA1A4D4F2DAC24356015191E3A54B68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_28CDB3006520AFBD8C765191E3A55415" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_FBA1A4D4F2DAC24356015191E3A54B68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_28CDB3006520AFBD8C765191E3A55415" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_D942FCAE0E6D7F141F635191E3A5227C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_28CDB3006520AFBD8C765191E3A55415" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_D942FCAE0E6D7F141F635191E3A5227C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_BA59A576680D8C5D2C195191E3A5556F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_D942FCAE0E6D7F141F635191E3A5227C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_BA59A576680D8C5D2C195191E3A5556F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_BA59A576680D8C5D2C195191E3A5556F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_D942FCAE0E6D7F141F635191E3A5227C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_BA59A576680D8C5D2C195191E3A5556F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CoalAndTransportationMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_CoalAndTransportationMember_23351896D805A80174E65191E3A5B053" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_BA59A576680D8C5D2C195191E3A5556F" xlink:to="loc_ale_CoalAndTransportationMember_23351896D805A80174E65191E3A5B053" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueInRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueInRemainderOfFiscalYear_5B05A7C96248E2984CFD5191E3A5CA3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_FBA1A4D4F2DAC24356015191E3A54B68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueInRemainderOfFiscalYear_5B05A7C96248E2984CFD5191E3A5CA3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary_5473EF847905C37CCE205191E3A5BB48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_FBA1A4D4F2DAC24356015191E3A54B68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary_5473EF847905C37CCE205191E3A5BB48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary_2EDC78E3A3D107109EB85191E3A58F0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_FBA1A4D4F2DAC24356015191E3A54B68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary_2EDC78E3A3D107109EB85191E3A58F0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary_9B681D97418F06F380E15191E3A558D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_FBA1A4D4F2DAC24356015191E3A54B68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary_9B681D97418F06F380E15191E3A558D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary_EF02E06283540C2D25A75191E3A5E995" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_FBA1A4D4F2DAC24356015191E3A54B68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary_EF02E06283540C2D25A75191E3A5E995" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears_529817F98C44D66285305191E3A52042" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_FBA1A4D4F2DAC24356015191E3A54B68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears_529817F98C44D66285305191E3A52042" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesEnvironmentalMattersDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_EnvironmentalMattersLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ale_EnvironmentalMattersLineItems_3D38FC02956DBA9D742B026EC6A29741" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_EnvironmentalMattersTable" xlink:label="loc_ale_EnvironmentalMattersTable_983F6B63F4C1572582B9026EC6A2EC51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ale_EnvironmentalMattersLineItems_3D38FC02956DBA9D742B026EC6A29741" xlink:to="loc_ale_EnvironmentalMattersTable_983F6B63F4C1572582B9026EC6A2EC51" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_EnvironmentalConsentDecreeAxis" xlink:label="loc_ale_EnvironmentalConsentDecreeAxis_793EEDA9C067F3C9039F026EC6A25579" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ale_EnvironmentalMattersTable_983F6B63F4C1572582B9026EC6A2EC51" xlink:to="loc_ale_EnvironmentalConsentDecreeAxis_793EEDA9C067F3C9039F026EC6A25579" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_EnvironmentalConsentDecreeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_EnvironmentalConsentDecreeDomain_7BC1D51A9A02257F20BB026EC6A24574_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ale_EnvironmentalConsentDecreeAxis_793EEDA9C067F3C9039F026EC6A25579" xlink:to="loc_ale_EnvironmentalConsentDecreeDomain_7BC1D51A9A02257F20BB026EC6A24574_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_EnvironmentalConsentDecreeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_EnvironmentalConsentDecreeDomain_7BC1D51A9A02257F20BB026EC6A24574" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ale_EnvironmentalConsentDecreeAxis_793EEDA9C067F3C9039F026EC6A25579" xlink:to="loc_ale_EnvironmentalConsentDecreeDomain_7BC1D51A9A02257F20BB026EC6A24574" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_NOVConsentDecreeMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_NOVConsentDecreeMember_7866526A5A9ECF2FDA9E026EC6A2378E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_EnvironmentalConsentDecreeDomain_7BC1D51A9A02257F20BB026EC6A24574" xlink:to="loc_ale_NOVConsentDecreeMember_7866526A5A9ECF2FDA9E026EC6A2378E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7FF059837473F9DB09D3026EC6A2075D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ale_EnvironmentalMattersTable_983F6B63F4C1572582B9026EC6A2EC51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7FF059837473F9DB09D3026EC6A2075D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A19158768C94E7DD551F026EC6A2BBA7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7FF059837473F9DB09D3026EC6A2075D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A19158768C94E7DD551F026EC6A2BBA7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A19158768C94E7DD551F026EC6A2BBA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7FF059837473F9DB09D3026EC6A2075D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A19158768C94E7DD551F026EC6A2BBA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_BB0F8C252B175E08FF65026EC6A21F80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A19158768C94E7DD551F026EC6A2BBA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_BB0F8C252B175E08FF65026EC6A21F80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_833FBFF4C5B880608E5A026EC6A2301C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A19158768C94E7DD551F026EC6A2BBA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_833FBFF4C5B880608E5A026EC6A2301C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyAxis_5439DFF22F2EDEA92F7C026EC6A23DCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ale_EnvironmentalMattersTable_983F6B63F4C1572582B9026EC6A2EC51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyAxis_5439DFF22F2EDEA92F7C026EC6A23DCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_17428DE418515BAC5ABA026EC6A263A1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyAxis_5439DFF22F2EDEA92F7C026EC6A23DCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_17428DE418515BAC5ABA026EC6A263A1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_17428DE418515BAC5ABA026EC6A263A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyAxis_5439DFF22F2EDEA92F7C026EC6A23DCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_17428DE418515BAC5ABA026EC6A263A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_OzoneNAAQSMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_OzoneNAAQSMember_AE8BE55B9B3533DBA138026EC6A29863" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_17428DE418515BAC5ABA026EC6A263A1" xlink:to="loc_ale_OzoneNAAQSMember_AE8BE55B9B3533DBA138026EC6A29863" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CleanWaterActAquaticOrganismsMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_CleanWaterActAquaticOrganismsMember_767F7C515268E279B570026EC6A2AE10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_17428DE418515BAC5ABA026EC6A263A1" xlink:to="loc_ale_CleanWaterActAquaticOrganismsMember_767F7C515268E279B570026EC6A2AE10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CoalCombustionResidualsMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_CoalCombustionResidualsMember_84E1BB9DA2C1801F2BE4026EC6A21B70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_17428DE418515BAC5ABA026EC6A263A1" xlink:to="loc_ale_CoalCombustionResidualsMember_84E1BB9DA2C1801F2BE4026EC6A21B70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingCapacityMw" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_2C2C11F4B634937C6DDF026EC6A265F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_EnvironmentalMattersLineItems_3D38FC02956DBA9D742B026EC6A29741" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_2C2C11F4B634937C6DDF026EC6A265F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SiteContingencyLossExposureNotAccruedBestEstimate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SiteContingencyLossExposureNotAccruedBestEstimate_A1DC6C9D7DF185323592026EC6A283EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_EnvironmentalMattersLineItems_3D38FC02956DBA9D742B026EC6A29741" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SiteContingencyLossExposureNotAccruedBestEstimate_A1DC6C9D7DF185323592026EC6A283EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SitecontingencyLossExposureAccruedandBestEstimateofLossExposureinExcessofAccrual" xlink:label="loc_ale_SitecontingencyLossExposureAccruedandBestEstimateofLossExposureinExcessofAccrual_36B44416745AEC72A4B1026EC6A2B75D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_EnvironmentalMattersLineItems_3D38FC02956DBA9D742B026EC6A29741" xlink:to="loc_ale_SitecontingencyLossExposureAccruedandBestEstimateofLossExposureinExcessofAccrual_36B44416745AEC72A4B1026EC6A2B75D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesLeasingAgreementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_523018C91C1EC6BD992821B3813AB9DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_B9C0433B7CF5C9C172FB21B3813A2286" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_523018C91C1EC6BD992821B3813AB9DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_B9C0433B7CF5C9C172FB21B3813A2286" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_40F611819B543F3B38D921B3813A9F84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_B9C0433B7CF5C9C172FB21B3813A2286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_40F611819B543F3B38D921B3813A9F84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C93857760DD0B821D55721B3813ABFB0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_40F611819B543F3B38D921B3813A9F84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C93857760DD0B821D55721B3813ABFB0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C93857760DD0B821D55721B3813ABFB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_40F611819B543F3B38D921B3813A9F84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C93857760DD0B821D55721B3813ABFB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExplorationAndProductionEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationAndProductionEquipmentMember_52D0737C6861B9F8C86921B3813AEE9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C93857760DD0B821D55721B3813ABFB0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationAndProductionEquipmentMember_52D0737C6861B9F8C86921B3813AEE9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_95E3B957D262F5F276A021B3813A5222" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_523018C91C1EC6BD992821B3813AB9DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_95E3B957D262F5F276A021B3813A5222" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TerminationFee" xlink:label="loc_ale_TerminationFee_6DC018FBC7526CA0FDDA21B3813ADD14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_523018C91C1EC6BD992821B3813AB9DC" xlink:to="loc_ale_TerminationFee_6DC018FBC7526CA0FDDA21B3813ADD14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_8EA6E284B9894EF257A521B4CDD65C21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_523018C91C1EC6BD992821B3813AB9DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_8EA6E284B9894EF257A521B4CDD65C21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_33901E507EFF06CD402521B3813A8E31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_523018C91C1EC6BD992821B3813AB9DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_33901E507EFF06CD402521B3813A8E31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_261FF2E77F99910B413A21B3813A1395" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_523018C91C1EC6BD992821B3813AB9DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_261FF2E77F99910B413A21B3813A1395" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_AC73864CAFBE9B67084A21B3813AF74C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_523018C91C1EC6BD992821B3813AB9DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_AC73864CAFBE9B67084A21B3813AF74C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_30DEF6E51DA287A7865721B3813AA06B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_523018C91C1EC6BD992821B3813AB9DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_30DEF6E51DA287A7865721B3813AA06B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_D4527B4F54BAB902DCA821B3813A2ADC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_523018C91C1EC6BD992821B3813AB9DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_D4527B4F54BAB902DCA821B3813A2ADC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesOtherMattersDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_3634BA380F55DADAAD585191E301553D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_B7DA43530C9F195A0FDB5191E30097D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_3634BA380F55DADAAD585191E301553D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_B7DA43530C9F195A0FDB5191E30097D1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeAxis_074473FE70F19C11001E5191E300A449" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_B7DA43530C9F195A0FDB5191E30097D1" xlink:to="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeAxis_074473FE70F19C11001E5191E300A449" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeDomain_A9877046A16B07B6D3EE5191E300A3DD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeAxis_074473FE70F19C11001E5191E300A449" xlink:to="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeDomain_A9877046A16B07B6D3EE5191E300A3DD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeDomain_A9877046A16B07B6D3EE5191E300A3DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeAxis_074473FE70F19C11001E5191E300A449" xlink:to="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeDomain_A9877046A16B07B6D3EE5191E300A3DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ALLETECleanEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_ALLETECleanEnergyMember_71214444E5CC569C01ED5191E300A652" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeDomain_A9877046A16B07B6D3EE5191E300A3DD" xlink:to="loc_ale_ALLETECleanEnergyMember_71214444E5CC569C01ED5191E300A652" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_U.S.WaterServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_U.S.WaterServicesMember_843D2918C6315474365E5191E3001EAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeDomain_A9877046A16B07B6D3EE5191E300A3DD" xlink:to="loc_ale_U.S.WaterServicesMember_843D2918C6315474365E5191E3001EAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_BniCoalReclamationLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_BniCoalReclamationLiabilityMember_D324793581179E2AD3395191E3006306" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeDomain_A9877046A16B07B6D3EE5191E300A3DD" xlink:to="loc_ale_BniCoalReclamationLiabilityMember_D324793581179E2AD3395191E3006306" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_AlletePropertiesPerformanceAndMaintenanceObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_AlletePropertiesPerformanceAndMaintenanceObligationsMember_954C54FB2321AB66BBBA5191E3006474" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeDomain_A9877046A16B07B6D3EE5191E300A3DD" xlink:to="loc_ale_AlletePropertiesPerformanceAndMaintenanceObligationsMember_954C54FB2321AB66BBBA5191E3006474" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TownCenterCommunityDevelopmentDistrictMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_TownCenterCommunityDevelopmentDistrictMember_63F735771882730890DE5191E3009552" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeDomain_A9877046A16B07B6D3EE5191E300A3DD" xlink:to="loc_ale_TownCenterCommunityDevelopmentDistrictMember_63F735771882730890DE5191E3009552" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_PalmCoastParkCommunityDevelopmentDistrictMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_PalmCoastParkCommunityDevelopmentDistrictMember_42564A7BFC1DC90DC4175191E300121B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_GuaranteeEntityandTypeDomain_A9877046A16B07B6D3EE5191E300A3DD" xlink:to="loc_ale_PalmCoastParkCommunityDevelopmentDistrictMember_42564A7BFC1DC90DC4175191E300121B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_DB09DC1DCE16B5D901C05191E300626C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_B7DA43530C9F195A0FDB5191E30097D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_DB09DC1DCE16B5D901C05191E300626C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_46F520AD288A135DD7025191E300A331_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_DB09DC1DCE16B5D901C05191E300626C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_46F520AD288A135DD7025191E300A331_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_46F520AD288A135DD7025191E300A331" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_DB09DC1DCE16B5D901C05191E300626C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_46F520AD288A135DD7025191E300A331" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialStandbyLetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialStandbyLetterOfCreditMember_58FE75432E19563BB8725191E300BCAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_46F520AD288A135DD7025191E300A331" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialStandbyLetterOfCreditMember_58FE75432E19563BB8725191E300BCAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuretyBondMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuretyBondMember_D44B3CB0AE2D9C771FE05191E300200D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_46F520AD288A135DD7025191E300A331" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuretyBondMember_D44B3CB0AE2D9C771FE05191E300200D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SuretyBondsandLettersofCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_SuretyBondsandLettersofCreditMember_3AF07161A769B8DAF0805191E3015672" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_46F520AD288A135DD7025191E300A331" xlink:to="loc_ale_SuretyBondsandLettersofCreditMember_3AF07161A769B8DAF0805191E3015672" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GuarantorObligationsCollateralHeldDirectlyorbyThirdPartiesAmount" xlink:label="loc_ale_GuarantorObligationsCollateralHeldDirectlyorbyThirdPartiesAmount_858DDEC51E6D931978845191E301A4CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_3634BA380F55DADAAD585191E301553D" xlink:to="loc_ale_GuarantorObligationsCollateralHeldDirectlyorbyThirdPartiesAmount_858DDEC51E6D931978845191E301A4CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_83390DE791D2AAA8820C5191E301E790" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_3634BA380F55DADAAD585191E301553D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_83390DE791D2AAA8820C5191E301E790" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CommunityDevelopmentDistrictObligationOwnershipOfPropertyBenefited" xlink:label="loc_ale_CommunityDevelopmentDistrictObligationOwnershipOfPropertyBenefited_B875858DB8D5E0955D025191E301654F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_3634BA380F55DADAAD585191E301553D" xlink:to="loc_ale_CommunityDevelopmentDistrictObligationOwnershipOfPropertyBenefited_B875858DB8D5E0955D025191E301654F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CommunityDevelopmentDistrictObligationAnnualAssessment" xlink:label="loc_ale_CommunityDevelopmentDistrictObligationAnnualAssessment_5A48F78174C9FF3BA66E5191E301E5CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_3634BA380F55DADAAD585191E301553D" xlink:to="loc_ale_CommunityDevelopmentDistrictObligationAnnualAssessment_5A48F78174C9FF3BA66E5191E301E5CD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesPowerPurchaseAgreementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerLineItems_5CD337B87FC738FCE8EB5191E2DCFC04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractsForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractsForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTable_D74EBED1720F9013ED875191E2DB4CA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerLineItems_5CD337B87FC738FCE8EB5191E2DCFC04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractsForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTable_D74EBED1720F9013ED875191E2DB4CA5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_177FA3F20163AC9C1DDA5191E2DBA4CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractsForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTable_D74EBED1720F9013ED875191E2DB4CA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_177FA3F20163AC9C1DDA5191E2DBA4CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_B4F3140F180B2856506A5191E2DB2E72_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_177FA3F20163AC9C1DDA5191E2DBA4CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_B4F3140F180B2856506A5191E2DB2E72_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_B4F3140F180B2856506A5191E2DB2E72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_177FA3F20163AC9C1DDA5191E2DBA4CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_B4F3140F180B2856506A5191E2DB2E72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SquareButteMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_SquareButteMember_3F429111FC85044C41765191E2DB1A73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_B4F3140F180B2856506A5191E2DB2E72" xlink:to="loc_ale_SquareButteMember_3F429111FC85044C41765191E2DB1A73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MinnkotaPowerMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MinnkotaPowerMember_173E9FE4652D4CA4763C5191E2DB5035" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_B4F3140F180B2856506A5191E2DB2E72" xlink:to="loc_ale_MinnkotaPowerMember_173E9FE4652D4CA4763C5191E2DB5035" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SilverBayPowerMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_SilverBayPowerMember_89F47248ADCFE1B1921A5191E2DB2F49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_B4F3140F180B2856506A5191E2DB2E72" xlink:to="loc_ale_SilverBayPowerMember_89F47248ADCFE1B1921A5191E2DB2F49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ShellEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_ShellEnergyMember_037521966F1B8412A3F15191E2DB8C7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_B4F3140F180B2856506A5191E2DB2E72" xlink:to="loc_ale_ShellEnergyMember_037521966F1B8412A3F15191E2DB8C7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_E03CB3A1A0C17D17E0365191E2DB0E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractsForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTable_D74EBED1720F9013ED875191E2DB4CA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_E03CB3A1A0C17D17E0365191E2DB0E01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_E4768B36D7599F0127755191E2DB5DE4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_E03CB3A1A0C17D17E0365191E2DB0E01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_E4768B36D7599F0127755191E2DB5DE4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_E4768B36D7599F0127755191E2DB5DE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_E03CB3A1A0C17D17E0365191E2DB0E01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_E4768B36D7599F0127755191E2DB5DE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SquareButtePpaMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_SquareButtePpaMember_38064057747D7F81E7695191E2DBB294" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_E4768B36D7599F0127755191E2DB5DE4" xlink:to="loc_ale_SquareButtePpaMember_38064057747D7F81E7695191E2DBB294" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ShellEnergyPPAMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_ShellEnergyPPAMember_288A4D9179B24BC925515191E2DB24CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_E4768B36D7599F0127755191E2DB5DE4" xlink:to="loc_ale_ShellEnergyPPAMember_288A4D9179B24BC925515191E2DB24CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingFacilityAxisAxis" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityAxisAxis_21C65675B298F3AB72775191E2DBE8D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractsForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTable_D74EBED1720F9013ED875191E2DB4CA5" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityAxisAxis_21C65675B298F3AB72775191E2DBE8D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain_F710E3EF099588C3B4D55191E2DC78EE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityAxisAxis_21C65675B298F3AB72775191E2DBE8D0" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain_F710E3EF099588C3B4D55191E2DC78EE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain_F710E3EF099588C3B4D55191E2DC78EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityAxisAxis_21C65675B298F3AB72775191E2DBE8D0" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain_F710E3EF099588C3B4D55191E2DC78EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SquareButteCoalFiredUnitMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_SquareButteCoalFiredUnitMember_C594507F083D29DC43CE5191E2DC9F40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain_F710E3EF099588C3B4D55191E2DC78EE" xlink:to="loc_ale_SquareButteCoalFiredUnitMember_C594507F083D29DC43CE5191E2DC9F40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SilverBayPowerCoalLiquidandGaseousFuelsfiredUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_SilverBayPowerCoalLiquidandGaseousFuelsfiredUnitsMember_D0675AAAFCC6AE353AFB5191E2DC8201" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain_F710E3EF099588C3B4D55191E2DC78EE" xlink:to="loc_ale_SilverBayPowerCoalLiquidandGaseousFuelsfiredUnitsMember_D0675AAAFCC6AE353AFB5191E2DC8201" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerAxis" xlink:label="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerAxis_E6417839C7A0AB77627F5191E2DCF4E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractsForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTable_D74EBED1720F9013ED875191E2DB4CA5" xlink:to="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerAxis_E6417839C7A0AB77627F5191E2DCF4E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_72F07E119960798816395191E2DCED10_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerAxis_E6417839C7A0AB77627F5191E2DCF4E7" xlink:to="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_72F07E119960798816395191E2DCED10_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_72F07E119960798816395191E2DCED10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerAxis_E6417839C7A0AB77627F5191E2DCF4E7" xlink:to="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_72F07E119960798816395191E2DCED10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MinnkotaSalesAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MinnkotaSalesAgreementMember_B93C6EA5703DB4F378C45191E2DCE27F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_72F07E119960798816395191E2DCED10" xlink:to="loc_ale_MinnkotaSalesAgreementMember_B93C6EA5703DB4F378C45191E2DCE27F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SilverBayPowerSalesAgreementthrough2031Years20162019Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_SilverBayPowerSalesAgreementthrough2031Years20162019Member_9A3A5C31FCD0A999DA655191E2DCAD7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_72F07E119960798816395191E2DCED10" xlink:to="loc_ale_SilverBayPowerSalesAgreementthrough2031Years20162019Member_9A3A5C31FCD0A999DA655191E2DCAD7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SilverBayPowerSalesAgreementthrough2031Years20202031Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_SilverBayPowerSalesAgreementthrough2031Years20202031Member_E564466D0BCF33171B1D5191E2DC8610" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_72F07E119960798816395191E2DCED10" xlink:to="loc_ale_SilverBayPowerSalesAgreementthrough2031Years20202031Member_E564466D0BCF33171B1D5191E2DC8610" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_383F48CEAD7FC79EA5BD5191E2DCE44D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractsForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTable_D74EBED1720F9013ED875191E2DB4CA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_383F48CEAD7FC79EA5BD5191E2DCE44D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6C7072089F2CAC6BF4F95191E2DC3182_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_383F48CEAD7FC79EA5BD5191E2DCE44D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6C7072089F2CAC6BF4F95191E2DC3182_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6C7072089F2CAC6BF4F95191E2DC3182" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_383F48CEAD7FC79EA5BD5191E2DCE44D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6C7072089F2CAC6BF4F95191E2DC3182" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_5F14195C4A02031A2BD95191E2DCD6D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6C7072089F2CAC6BF4F95191E2DC3182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_5F14195C4A02031A2BD95191E2DCD6D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingCapacityMw" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_D92B8699E57ADCD2352D5191E2DC4B31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerLineItems_5CD337B87FC738FCE8EB5191E2DCFC04" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_D92B8699E57ADCD2352D5191E2DC4B31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerShareOfPlantOutputBeingPurchased" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerShareOfPlantOutputBeingPurchased_595585EF318AF0798A045191E2DC2910" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerLineItems_5CD337B87FC738FCE8EB5191E2DCFC04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerShareOfPlantOutputBeingPurchased_595585EF318AF0798A045191E2DC2910" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAmountOfLongTermDebtOrLeaseObligationOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAmountOfLongTermDebtOrLeaseObligationOutstanding_CB65992ADCE044D586BE5191E2DC5E99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerLineItems_5CD337B87FC738FCE8EB5191E2DCFC04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAmountOfLongTermDebtOrLeaseObligationOutstanding_CB65992ADCE044D586BE5191E2DC5E99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPowerUnderLongTermContracts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPowerUnderLongTermContracts_7DA968CD46CC5766562D5191E2DCF054" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerLineItems_5CD337B87FC738FCE8EB5191E2DCFC04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPowerUnderLongTermContracts_7DA968CD46CC5766562D5191E2DCF054" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerInterestIncludedInContractCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerInterestIncludedInContractCharges_38ED6FC6321400F03A9F5191E2DDD9D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerLineItems_5CD337B87FC738FCE8EB5191E2DCFC04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerInterestIncludedInContractCharges_38ED6FC6321400F03A9F5191E2DDD9D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_LongtermContractforSaleofElectricPowerShareofPlantOutputBeingSoldMW" xlink:label="loc_ale_LongtermContractforSaleofElectricPowerShareofPlantOutputBeingSoldMW_7A0AD8A516EB76E68C825191E2DD325D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerLineItems_5CD337B87FC738FCE8EB5191E2DCFC04" xlink:to="loc_ale_LongtermContractforSaleofElectricPowerShareofPlantOutputBeingSoldMW_7A0AD8A516EB76E68C825191E2DD325D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerShareOfPlantOutputPurchasedMw" xlink:label="loc_ale_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerShareOfPlantOutputPurchasedMw_39E6DFB69B3213A498615191E2DD324E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerLineItems_5CD337B87FC738FCE8EB5191E2DCFC04" xlink:to="loc_ale_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerShareOfPlantOutputPurchasedMw_39E6DFB69B3213A498615191E2DD324E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/CommitmentsGuaranteesAndContingenciesTransmissionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TransmissionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ale_TransmissionLineItems_9E0D0B6CF6AE1DF187105191E3E15864" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TransmissionTable" xlink:label="loc_ale_TransmissionTable_FC87A440AEE5D93190DA5191E3DB38A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionLineItems_9E0D0B6CF6AE1DF187105191E3E15864" xlink:to="loc_ale_TransmissionTable_FC87A440AEE5D93190DA5191E3DB38A3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TransmissionAxis" xlink:label="loc_ale_TransmissionAxis_C7100D05BBBEC938C44A5191E3DB2C40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionTable_FC87A440AEE5D93190DA5191E3DB38A3" xlink:to="loc_ale_TransmissionAxis_C7100D05BBBEC938C44A5191E3DB2C40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TransmissionDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_TransmissionDomain_E2F70B75177EE343BB315191E3DB729B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionAxis_C7100D05BBBEC938C44A5191E3DB2C40" xlink:to="loc_ale_TransmissionDomain_E2F70B75177EE343BB315191E3DB729B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TransmissionDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_TransmissionDomain_E2F70B75177EE343BB315191E3DB729B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionAxis_C7100D05BBBEC938C44A5191E3DB2C40" xlink:to="loc_ale_TransmissionDomain_E2F70B75177EE343BB315191E3DB729B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GreatNorthernTransmissionLineMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_GreatNorthernTransmissionLineMember_BE6D206BF1C41849DD5B5191E3DB58B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionDomain_E2F70B75177EE343BB315191E3DB729B" xlink:to="loc_ale_GreatNorthernTransmissionLineMember_BE6D206BF1C41849DD5B5191E3DB58B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_24F77FDBDE385481EFE55191E3DB0A34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionTable_FC87A440AEE5D93190DA5191E3DB38A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_24F77FDBDE385481EFE55191E3DB0A34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_D7719C5006A4C412F42F5191E3E05CAB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_24F77FDBDE385481EFE55191E3DB0A34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_D7719C5006A4C412F42F5191E3E05CAB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_D7719C5006A4C412F42F5191E3E05CAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_24F77FDBDE385481EFE55191E3DB0A34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_D7719C5006A4C412F42F5191E3E05CAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ElectricTransmissionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ElectricTransmissionMember_BD1AF9566625DF9DC9B75191E3E0C1D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_D7719C5006A4C412F42F5191E3E05CAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ElectricTransmissionMember_BD1AF9566625DF9DC9B75191E3E0C1D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B6A425A5EE5D5C4FC59E5191E3E02370" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionTable_FC87A440AEE5D93190DA5191E3DB38A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B6A425A5EE5D5C4FC59E5191E3E02370" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_FC57F456D4D47B6FFFB45191E3E0B263_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B6A425A5EE5D5C4FC59E5191E3E02370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_FC57F456D4D47B6FFFB45191E3E0B263_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_FC57F456D4D47B6FFFB45191E3E0B263" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B6A425A5EE5D5C4FC59E5191E3E02370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_FC57F456D4D47B6FFFB45191E3E0B263" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_191EB0ADB3B981ED35B55191E3E0A45D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_FC57F456D4D47B6FFFB45191E3E0B263" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_191EB0ADB3B981ED35B55191E3E0A45D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_9244C97EA4BAB1B9D6C25191E3E12143" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_FC57F456D4D47B6FFFB45191E3E0B263" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_9244C97EA4BAB1B9D6C25191E3E12143" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TransmissionLineLengthMiles" xlink:label="loc_ale_TransmissionLineLengthMiles_795A51C368788E2009095191E3E12A0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionLineItems_9E0D0B6CF6AE1DF187105191E3E15864" xlink:to="loc_ale_TransmissionLineLengthMiles_795A51C368788E2009095191E3E12A0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TransmissionLineCapacityKv" xlink:label="loc_ale_TransmissionLineCapacityKv_4EB8BD8171CF98F664315191E3E193AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionLineItems_9E0D0B6CF6AE1DF187105191E3E15864" xlink:to="loc_ale_TransmissionLineCapacityKv_4EB8BD8171CF98F664315191E3E193AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_EstimatedCapitalExpendituresIncludingPastExpenditures" xlink:label="loc_ale_EstimatedCapitalExpendituresIncludingPastExpenditures_C450687F64D73F58FA825191E3E11122" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionLineItems_9E0D0B6CF6AE1DF187105191E3E15864" xlink:to="loc_ale_EstimatedCapitalExpendituresIncludingPastExpenditures_C450687F64D73F58FA825191E3E11122" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheet" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticals" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeParentheticals" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfEquityConsolidatedStatementOfEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_098D91AF64CCFF48431B1B7B50FA4BD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_98792BE86AEC37FDD95C1B7B50FAF0E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_098D91AF64CCFF48431B1B7B50FA4BD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_98792BE86AEC37FDD95C1B7B50FAF0E6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_AACC7F6185DD756598BB1B7B50FA5407" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_98792BE86AEC37FDD95C1B7B50FAF0E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_AACC7F6185DD756598BB1B7B50FA5407" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2BD405647B6A118E289E1B7B50FA5A4D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_AACC7F6185DD756598BB1B7B50FA5407" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2BD405647B6A118E289E1B7B50FA5A4D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2BD405647B6A118E289E1B7B50FA5A4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_AACC7F6185DD756598BB1B7B50FA5407" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2BD405647B6A118E289E1B7B50FA5A4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_253A264BF8999B4817D41B7B50FADCEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2BD405647B6A118E289E1B7B50FA5A4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_253A264BF8999B4817D41B7B50FADCEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_68B81E4E0C782F994F121B7B50FA4EF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2BD405647B6A118E289E1B7B50FA5A4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_68B81E4E0C782F994F121B7B50FA4EF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_0B314B1970CBBF76D60E1B7B50FAEC1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2BD405647B6A118E289E1B7B50FA5A4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_0B314B1970CBBF76D60E1B7B50FAEC1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_25D2DA6F22B89C0F96711B7B50FA195D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2BD405647B6A118E289E1B7B50FA5A4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_25D2DA6F22B89C0F96711B7B50FA195D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4AA6495A4206995657381B7B50FA1FBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_098D91AF64CCFF48431B1B7B50FA4BD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4AA6495A4206995657381B7B50FA1FBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_8786AE764BAA9F76149B1B7B50FA5205" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4AA6495A4206995657381B7B50FA1FBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_8786AE764BAA9F76149B1B7B50FA5205" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32B3849EFC4E26475F281B7B510006A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4AA6495A4206995657381B7B50FA1FBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32B3849EFC4E26475F281B7B510006A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_C44306D76A140B6A42601B7B5100406E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32B3849EFC4E26475F281B7B510006A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_C44306D76A140B6A42601B7B5100406E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_B2EBABA05825969310421B7B5100A653" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32B3849EFC4E26475F281B7B510006A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_B2EBABA05825969310421B7B5100A653" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_B8E4EFAFE856A63345201B7B510061D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_B2EBABA05825969310421B7B5100A653" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_B8E4EFAFE856A63345201B7B510061D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax_0797A17660CD83961A5F1B7B5101DCD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_B2EBABA05825969310421B7B5100A653" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax_0797A17660CD83961A5F1B7B5101DCD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_3B020F4A6687B47A2CE51B7B51014574" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32B3849EFC4E26475F281B7B510006A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_3B020F4A6687B47A2CE51B7B51014574" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_9D0FCD123155AE788F3D1B7B5101A64A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4AA6495A4206995657381B7B50FA1FBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_9D0FCD123155AE788F3D1B7B5101A64A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_44AD03B8C283343C77131B7B5101A58B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4AA6495A4206995657381B7B50FA1FBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_44AD03B8C283343C77131B7B5101A58B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_53AE94DAD09AAF797B8C1B7B5101A920" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4AA6495A4206995657381B7B50FA1FBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_53AE94DAD09AAF797B8C1B7B5101A920" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions_94ACFA9866D2545AB4341B7B5101C7F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4AA6495A4206995657381B7B50FA1FBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions_94ACFA9866D2545AB4341B7B5101C7F3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/EarningsPerShareAndCommonStock" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/EarningsPerShareAndCommonStockDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/EarningsPerShareAndCommonStockTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/FairValue" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnNonrecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_E43CCA11D1E12C40D4555191E2F706FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_53B6F363CC974F0F72315191E2F74CFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_E43CCA11D1E12C40D4555191E2F706FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_53B6F363CC974F0F72315191E2F74CFD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4B57862FF096F51460765191E2F7A8C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_53B6F363CC974F0F72315191E2F74CFD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4B57862FF096F51460765191E2F7A8C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E0982EF98F47862A2AC15191E2F79E5D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4B57862FF096F51460765191E2F7A8C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E0982EF98F47862A2AC15191E2F79E5D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E0982EF98F47862A2AC15191E2F79E5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4B57862FF096F51460765191E2F7A8C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E0982EF98F47862A2AC15191E2F79E5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_D2BD4CAAF30EC3C57E5C5191E2F772AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E0982EF98F47862A2AC15191E2F79E5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_D2BD4CAAF30EC3C57E5C5191E2F772AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_1C40235870A382D6B3B95191E2F74B7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_E43CCA11D1E12C40D4555191E2F706FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_1C40235870A382D6B3B95191E2F74B7F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/FairValueFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_EB84F223C585D4370AAF5191E2B461E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_3F4F6E730F9F034C6C4F5191E2B39086" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_EB84F223C585D4370AAF5191E2B461E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_3F4F6E730F9F034C6C4F5191E2B39086" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B4D68144E12B862863955191E2B41942" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_3F4F6E730F9F034C6C4F5191E2B39086" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B4D68144E12B862863955191E2B41942" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_248CD30DAB0AA280CB345191E2B4B93C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B4D68144E12B862863955191E2B41942" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_248CD30DAB0AA280CB345191E2B4B93C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_248CD30DAB0AA280CB345191E2B4B93C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B4D68144E12B862863955191E2B41942" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_248CD30DAB0AA280CB345191E2B4B93C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_BE04A15DB93E49D6D5405191E2B4240E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_248CD30DAB0AA280CB345191E2B4B93C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_BE04A15DB93E49D6D5405191E2B4240E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_00A9C89EBAE9CBC56C305191E2B40974" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_EB84F223C585D4370AAF5191E2B461E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_00A9C89EBAE9CBC56C305191E2B40974" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_B750F07BE92D7843CD825191E2B467BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_EB84F223C585D4370AAF5191E2B461E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_B750F07BE92D7843CD825191E2B467BF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/FairValueRecurringFairValueMeasuresDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F85A3DCE957798F193A3FC8F078954FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F275B867229CBDDDFF6EFC8F0789A25B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F85A3DCE957798F193A3FC8F078954FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F275B867229CBDDDFF6EFC8F0789A25B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_D0E99DBC4231E14869A3FC8F07898776" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F275B867229CBDDDFF6EFC8F0789A25B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_D0E99DBC4231E14869A3FC8F07898776" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_8918B38D33A019DCA6CCFC8F07899FCE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_D0E99DBC4231E14869A3FC8F07898776" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_8918B38D33A019DCA6CCFC8F07899FCE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_8918B38D33A019DCA6CCFC8F07899FCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_D0E99DBC4231E14869A3FC8F07898776" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_8918B38D33A019DCA6CCFC8F07899FCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_49A0E6E36FC621642276FC8F0789419F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_8918B38D33A019DCA6CCFC8F07899FCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_49A0E6E36FC621642276FC8F0789419F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_54D12D024557CF612CE1FC8F0789450F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F275B867229CBDDDFF6EFC8F0789A25B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_54D12D024557CF612CE1FC8F0789450F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3F4F9F8D1CD6888D3A60FC8F0789C8C9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_54D12D024557CF612CE1FC8F0789450F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3F4F9F8D1CD6888D3A60FC8F0789C8C9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3F4F9F8D1CD6888D3A60FC8F0789C8C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_54D12D024557CF612CE1FC8F0789450F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3F4F9F8D1CD6888D3A60FC8F0789C8C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_9B870E03E3035F34F56AFC8F07896438" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3F4F9F8D1CD6888D3A60FC8F0789C8C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_9B870E03E3035F34F56AFC8F07896438" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_3EC4DDBB9211AEDB9C59FC8F078904CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3F4F9F8D1CD6888D3A60FC8F0789C8C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_3EC4DDBB9211AEDB9C59FC8F078904CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_63AE5820D6185F246578FC8F07894B9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3F4F9F8D1CD6888D3A60FC8F0789C8C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_63AE5820D6185F246578FC8F07894B9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_7DE1EF8C1BEF2B58139EFC8F078921BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F85A3DCE957798F193A3FC8F078954FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_7DE1EF8C1BEF2B58139EFC8F078921BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_F2BDD388AF812BEA77CBFC8F078913A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_7DE1EF8C1BEF2B58139EFC8F078921BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_F2BDD388AF812BEA77CBFC8F078913A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecuritiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecuritiesNoncurrent_A30B4DAED1D9C097F216FC8F078978D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_F2BDD388AF812BEA77CBFC8F078913A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecuritiesNoncurrent_A30B4DAED1D9C097F216FC8F078978D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent_FF2CCD682143E5DBD936FC8F07898B96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_F2BDD388AF812BEA77CBFC8F078913A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent_FF2CCD682143E5DBD936FC8F07898B96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRestrictedAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestrictedAssetsNoncurrent_CF02663921397236B1CDFC8F0789835B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_F2BDD388AF812BEA77CBFC8F078913A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestrictedAssetsNoncurrent_CF02663921397236B1CDFC8F0789835B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring_7A20A9A90787E42EF31DFC8F0789EA10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_7DE1EF8C1BEF2B58139EFC8F078921BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring_7A20A9A90787E42EF31DFC8F0789EA10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D167D501AE8431A42034FC8F078991F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F85A3DCE957798F193A3FC8F078954FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D167D501AE8431A42034FC8F078991F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_DeferredCompensationFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_ale_DeferredCompensationFairValueDisclosure_F22CE14306E2CAC0E5E5FC8F0789D94B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D167D501AE8431A42034FC8F078991F4" xlink:to="loc_ale_DeferredCompensationFairValueDisclosure_F22CE14306E2CAC0E5E5FC8F0789D94B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_2BCA461F0098DCDDFB93FC8F07896BCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D167D501AE8431A42034FC8F078991F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_2BCA461F0098DCDDFB93FC8F07896BCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring_D670BC11B857BFABDAD1FC8F07892E3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D167D501AE8431A42034FC8F078991F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring_D670BC11B857BFABDAD1FC8F07892E3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetAssetLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetAssetLiability_8E22A0B07A5A898B197EFC8F07898A33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F85A3DCE957798F193A3FC8F078954FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetAssetLiability_8E22A0B07A5A898B197EFC8F07898A33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_FairValueTransfersBetweenLevelsAllLevels" xlink:label="loc_ale_FairValueTransfersBetweenLevelsAllLevels_D3420013E74BA623713EFC8F078916D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F85A3DCE957798F193A3FC8F078954FF" xlink:to="loc_ale_FairValueTransfersBetweenLevelsAllLevels_D3420013E74BA623713EFC8F078916D2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/FairValueTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_8927499AC118E284CA805191E29FF573" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_FEEC4AC1871697F958305191E29FBB0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_8927499AC118E284CA805191E29FF573" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_FEEC4AC1871697F958305191E29FBB0B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_BA0370B2629DCC29BFE25191E29F4882" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_FEEC4AC1871697F958305191E29FBB0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_BA0370B2629DCC29BFE25191E29F4882" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D3BBF334E9243259B095191E29FFD50_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_BA0370B2629DCC29BFE25191E29F4882" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D3BBF334E9243259B095191E29FFD50_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D3BBF334E9243259B095191E29FFD50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_BA0370B2629DCC29BFE25191E29F4882" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D3BBF334E9243259B095191E29FFD50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_92EE9061AE7D7820F1B85191E29F0F12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D3BBF334E9243259B095191E29FFD50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_92EE9061AE7D7820F1B85191E29F0F12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_725402623C8E59442B345191E29F2B2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D3BBF334E9243259B095191E29FFD50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_725402623C8E59442B345191E29F2B2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_91465BD6D4F5A4C5E78B5191E29F052E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_FEEC4AC1871697F958305191E29FBB0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_91465BD6D4F5A4C5E78B5191E29F052E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BC38F8F134C63943F0D75191E29F16A3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_91465BD6D4F5A4C5E78B5191E29F052E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BC38F8F134C63943F0D75191E29F16A3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BC38F8F134C63943F0D75191E29F16A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_91465BD6D4F5A4C5E78B5191E29F052E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BC38F8F134C63943F0D75191E29F16A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_0A8D6D6992FAB66BE15F5191E29FBBFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BC38F8F134C63943F0D75191E29F16A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_0A8D6D6992FAB66BE15F5191E29FBBFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_8C817D67CED93115E7BE5191E29F8401" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BC38F8F134C63943F0D75191E29F16A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_8C817D67CED93115E7BE5191E29F8401" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember_AA7080DF952C87EFCC335191E29F6D6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BC38F8F134C63943F0D75191E29F16A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember_AA7080DF952C87EFCC335191E29F6D6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_7FEE1216FC48944210395191E29F6ECF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_8927499AC118E284CA805191E29FF573" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_7FEE1216FC48944210395191E29F6ECF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_7FC7AEC01F6DF0CF739A5191E2A093F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_7FEE1216FC48944210395191E29F6ECF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_7FC7AEC01F6DF0CF739A5191E2A093F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_1A90A836C4390CE9E28B5191E2A0E0DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_7FEE1216FC48944210395191E29F6ECF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_1A90A836C4390CE9E28B5191E2A0E0DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_49E2F73F38813CED14425191E2A043E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_8927499AC118E284CA805191E29FF573" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_49E2F73F38813CED14425191E2A043E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_DBD42889F6B728FE24255191E2A0668A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_8927499AC118E284CA805191E29FF573" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_DBD42889F6B728FE24255191E2A0668A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_51352B21FADBEE28FFA15191E2A0F26A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_8927499AC118E284CA805191E29FF573" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_51352B21FADBEE28FFA15191E2A0F26A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear_125F3412CAC277FE0C825191E2A0EB33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_51352B21FADBEE28FFA15191E2A0F26A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear_125F3412CAC277FE0C825191E2A0EB33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_8FAA46BD16D578434BC25191E2A06FD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_51352B21FADBEE28FFA15191E2A0F26A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_8FAA46BD16D578434BC25191E2A06FD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_846824FF3AA5AAEA98B85191E2A094EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_51352B21FADBEE28FFA15191E2A0F26A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_846824FF3AA5AAEA98B85191E2A094EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_0CC4F9137C8665B6C4525191E2A030B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_51352B21FADBEE28FFA15191E2A0F26A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_0CC4F9137C8665B6C4525191E2A030B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_25C0615508E91F6837755191E2A09DAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_51352B21FADBEE28FFA15191E2A0F26A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_25C0615508E91F6837755191E2A09DAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_99E3DAB637A081513F8B5191E2A0D76B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_51352B21FADBEE28FFA15191E2A0F26A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_99E3DAB637A081513F8B5191E2A0D76B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_6689D179D50CC5E800C65191E2A166E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_E4B487CC5549C3A6E2515191E2A085B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_6689D179D50CC5E800C65191E2A166E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_E4B487CC5549C3A6E2515191E2A085B9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B15CCEA32C061DA10D1E5191E2A0FBB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_E4B487CC5549C3A6E2515191E2A085B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B15CCEA32C061DA10D1E5191E2A0FBB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_483CB4EE509903BC376E5191E2A0F265_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B15CCEA32C061DA10D1E5191E2A0FBB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_483CB4EE509903BC376E5191E2A0F265_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_483CB4EE509903BC376E5191E2A0F265" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B15CCEA32C061DA10D1E5191E2A0FBB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_483CB4EE509903BC376E5191E2A0F265" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_2288AB37DD373835B9F35191E2A0C172" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_483CB4EE509903BC376E5191E2A0F265" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_2288AB37DD373835B9F35191E2A0C172" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_A8D9425D257604400A0D5191E2A10D7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_6689D179D50CC5E800C65191E2A166E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_A8D9425D257604400A0D5191E2A10D7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_E37A116370F883BF1D3F5191E2A1E9D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_A8D9425D257604400A0D5191E2A10D7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_E37A116370F883BF1D3F5191E2A1E9D5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/IncomeTaxExpense" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/IncomeTaxExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/IncomeTaxExpenseTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/InvestmentInAtc" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/InvestmentInAtcDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_532C20591399665F375D0697721578F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_0012C5FD405AAE70BD330697721341EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_532C20591399665F375D0697721578F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_0012C5FD405AAE70BD330697721341EE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_6B7B6DCD19884A39BCEF06977213EA9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_0012C5FD405AAE70BD330697721341EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_6B7B6DCD19884A39BCEF06977213EA9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_4EFE5A767ABBFC4D9E76069772139DD4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_6B7B6DCD19884A39BCEF06977213EA9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_4EFE5A767ABBFC4D9E76069772139DD4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_4EFE5A767ABBFC4D9E76069772139DD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_6B7B6DCD19884A39BCEF06977213EA9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_4EFE5A767ABBFC4D9E76069772139DD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_FERCMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_FERCMember_230963552F9986612253069772149184" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_4EFE5A767ABBFC4D9E76069772139DD4" xlink:to="loc_ale_FERCMember_230963552F9986612253069772149184" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_256EDFEFC5A4CD743D9A069772140A02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_0012C5FD405AAE70BD330697721341EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_256EDFEFC5A4CD743D9A069772140A02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_69A8FDD7852CBE979D9F0697721430D7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_256EDFEFC5A4CD743D9A069772140A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_69A8FDD7852CBE979D9F0697721430D7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_69A8FDD7852CBE979D9F0697721430D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_256EDFEFC5A4CD743D9A069772140A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_69A8FDD7852CBE979D9F0697721430D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_FERCComplaint2Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_FERCComplaint2Member_AED481658F90F42A103706977214F694" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_69A8FDD7852CBE979D9F0697721430D7" xlink:to="loc_ale_FERCComplaint2Member_AED481658F90F42A103706977214F694" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SensitivityAnalysisAxis" xlink:label="loc_ale_SensitivityAnalysisAxis_7EDBD6D8E359B6EDA869069772156333" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_0012C5FD405AAE70BD330697721341EE" xlink:to="loc_ale_SensitivityAnalysisAxis_7EDBD6D8E359B6EDA869069772156333" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SensitivityAnalysisDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_SensitivityAnalysisDomain_8EBA62CE63C1FEA1B85F06977215EBB7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ale_SensitivityAnalysisAxis_7EDBD6D8E359B6EDA869069772156333" xlink:to="loc_ale_SensitivityAnalysisDomain_8EBA62CE63C1FEA1B85F06977215EBB7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SensitivityAnalysisDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_SensitivityAnalysisDomain_8EBA62CE63C1FEA1B85F06977215EBB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ale_SensitivityAnalysisAxis_7EDBD6D8E359B6EDA869069772156333" xlink:to="loc_ale_SensitivityAnalysisDomain_8EBA62CE63C1FEA1B85F06977215EBB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SensitivityAnalysisMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_SensitivityAnalysisMember_BE9ED445F015F90778DC069772154E13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_SensitivityAnalysisDomain_8EBA62CE63C1FEA1B85F06977215EBB7" xlink:to="loc_ale_SensitivityAnalysisMember_BE9ED445F015F90778DC069772154E13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ExpensePresentationAxis" xlink:label="loc_ale_ExpensePresentationAxis_B4F2CEEA10D5700170E9069772148136" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_0012C5FD405AAE70BD330697721341EE" xlink:to="loc_ale_ExpensePresentationAxis_B4F2CEEA10D5700170E9069772148136" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ExpensePresentationDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_ExpensePresentationDomain_52852A730CF26D8B2DE40697721418AA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ale_ExpensePresentationAxis_B4F2CEEA10D5700170E9069772148136" xlink:to="loc_ale_ExpensePresentationDomain_52852A730CF26D8B2DE40697721418AA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ExpensePresentationDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_ExpensePresentationDomain_52852A730CF26D8B2DE40697721418AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ale_ExpensePresentationAxis_B4F2CEEA10D5700170E9069772148136" xlink:to="loc_ale_ExpensePresentationDomain_52852A730CF26D8B2DE40697721418AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_AftertaxMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_AftertaxMember_EC52714FBE6EA6FAAB6D069772143432" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_ExpensePresentationDomain_52852A730CF26D8B2DE40697721418AA" xlink:to="loc_ale_AftertaxMember_EC52714FBE6EA6FAAB6D069772143432" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_PretaxMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_PretaxMember_E8E86A0B34D1AD24629D06977214BBCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_ExpensePresentationDomain_52852A730CF26D8B2DE40697721418AA" xlink:to="loc_ale_PretaxMember_E8E86A0B34D1AD24629D06977214BBCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_699998639E90F118A14806977215C3B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_0012C5FD405AAE70BD330697721341EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_699998639E90F118A14806977215C3B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_06AF258839340F9B5D1606977215455A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_699998639E90F118A14806977215C3B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_06AF258839340F9B5D1606977215455A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_06AF258839340F9B5D1606977215455A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_699998639E90F118A14806977215C3B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_06AF258839340F9B5D1606977215455A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ATCMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_ATCMember_9F00708CDA7BFA29A173069772157974" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_06AF258839340F9B5D1606977215455A" xlink:to="loc_ale_ATCMember_9F00708CDA7BFA29A173069772157974" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_5F8297B392CB1EDF93B20697721585C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_0012C5FD405AAE70BD330697721341EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_5F8297B392CB1EDF93B20697721585C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8C444BC14EB152E6E79206977215D0B1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_5F8297B392CB1EDF93B20697721585C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8C444BC14EB152E6E79206977215D0B1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8C444BC14EB152E6E79206977215D0B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_5F8297B392CB1EDF93B20697721585C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8C444BC14EB152E6E79206977215D0B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_1EC11844C52613B7ED5806977215FBAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8C444BC14EB152E6E79206977215D0B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_1EC11844C52613B7ED5806977215FBAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_E0DA3E101EF08054C37106977215FFB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_532C20591399665F375D0697721578F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_E0DA3E101EF08054C37106977215FFB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_EquityMethodInvestmentExpectedAdditionalInvestment" xlink:label="loc_ale_EquityMethodInvestmentExpectedAdditionalInvestment_4074E109DBBFE78FC86306977216841D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_532C20591399665F375D0697721578F9" xlink:to="loc_ale_EquityMethodInvestmentExpectedAdditionalInvestment_4074E109DBBFE78FC86306977216841D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_AlletesInvestmentInAtcRollForward" xlink:label="loc_ale_AlletesInvestmentInAtcRollForward_A425B937C33C11E6C04F069772162A3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_532C20591399665F375D0697721578F9" xlink:to="loc_ale_AlletesInvestmentInAtcRollForward_A425B937C33C11E6C04F069772162A3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_251D9B61D464416E6A0C0697721694AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_AlletesInvestmentInAtcRollForward_A425B937C33C11E6C04F069772162A3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_251D9B61D464416E6A0C0697721694AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_3FD73B5786EC447CE0FE069772160F5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_AlletesInvestmentInAtcRollForward_A425B937C33C11E6C04F069772162A3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_3FD73B5786EC447CE0FE069772160F5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_3CC2FA295967AF3FD288069772166290" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_AlletesInvestmentInAtcRollForward_A425B937C33C11E6C04F069772162A3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_3CC2FA295967AF3FD288069772166290" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_C46FBF5DA17C94BC54DF069772167623" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_AlletesInvestmentInAtcRollForward_A425B937C33C11E6C04F069772162A3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_C46FBF5DA17C94BC54DF069772167623" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_EquityMethodInvestmentApprovedReturnOnCommonEquity" xlink:label="loc_ale_EquityMethodInvestmentApprovedReturnOnCommonEquity_AFFE44FEF1232A47A17A069772167E37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_532C20591399665F375D0697721578F9" xlink:to="loc_ale_EquityMethodInvestmentApprovedReturnOnCommonEquity_AFFE44FEF1232A47A17A069772167E37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ProposedReturnonCommonEquitybyRegulatoryOrganization" xlink:label="loc_ale_ProposedReturnonCommonEquitybyRegulatoryOrganization_88ABF858756E5B178BD506977216F1A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_532C20591399665F375D0697721578F9" xlink:to="loc_ale_ProposedReturnonCommonEquitybyRegulatoryOrganization_88ABF858756E5B178BD506977216F1A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_BasisPointReductiononApprovedRateofReturnonCommonEquity" xlink:label="loc_ale_BasisPointReductiononApprovedRateofReturnonCommonEquity_B76BA3F4B5D4C89BB14506977217552A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_532C20591399665F375D0697721578F9" xlink:to="loc_ale_BasisPointReductiononApprovedRateofReturnonCommonEquity_B76BA3F4B5D4C89BB14506977217552A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOnFutureEarningsAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOnFutureEarningsAmount_E37BE462BC975738557306977217BF66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_532C20591399665F375D0697721578F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectOnFutureEarningsAmount_E37BE462BC975738557306977217BF66" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/InvestmentInAtcTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/Investments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/InvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesNewAccountingStandardsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_A9D366EECAA715CE19655191E2B02AFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_4C04FD900AF973CB716E5191E2AF2C41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_A9D366EECAA715CE19655191E2B02AFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_4C04FD900AF973CB716E5191E2AF2C41" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_ED7B8FF77938A66A0AFA5191E2AF7FB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_4C04FD900AF973CB716E5191E2AF2C41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_ED7B8FF77938A66A0AFA5191E2AF7FB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_970CCC6956BCC09D591C5191E2AF2F7C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_ED7B8FF77938A66A0AFA5191E2AF7FB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_970CCC6956BCC09D591C5191E2AF2F7C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_970CCC6956BCC09D591C5191E2AF2F7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_ED7B8FF77938A66A0AFA5191E2AF7FB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_970CCC6956BCC09D591C5191E2AF2F7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201503Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201503Member_BA2DA436277194D9F94A5191E2AFF871" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_970CCC6956BCC09D591C5191E2AF2F7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201503Member_BA2DA436277194D9F94A5191E2AFF871" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4FFCF8BDB0DF3DB598B35191E2AF7459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_4C04FD900AF973CB716E5191E2AF2C41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4FFCF8BDB0DF3DB598B35191E2AF7459" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4EAC7182DB44CE590E355191E2AFDB67_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4FFCF8BDB0DF3DB598B35191E2AF7459" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4EAC7182DB44CE590E355191E2AFDB67_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4EAC7182DB44CE590E355191E2AFDB67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4FFCF8BDB0DF3DB598B35191E2AF7459" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4EAC7182DB44CE590E355191E2AFDB67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsTotalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsTotalMember_2619872161550A7778F55191E2AF87DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4EAC7182DB44CE590E355191E2AFDB67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsTotalMember_2619872161550A7778F55191E2AF87DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesTotalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesTotalMember_F13EDCA0B785258E90735191E2B0C410" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4EAC7182DB44CE590E355191E2AFDB67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesTotalMember_F13EDCA0B785258E90735191E2B0C410" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_4413C13D401BC65507BA5191E2B0EC80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_A9D366EECAA715CE19655191E2B02AFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_4413C13D401BC65507BA5191E2B0EC80" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesSupplementalStatementOfCashFlowsInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresLineItems_F2963CFE1B5D124C3C621AF8CA94DE9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresTable_4A88D3ADC2966DF511291AF8CA9484C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresLineItems_F2963CFE1B5D124C3C621AF8CA94DE9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresTable_4A88D3ADC2966DF511291AF8CA9484C7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresByUniqueNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresByUniqueNameAxis_DCDE9BDD922555A9204A1AF8CA9481F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresTable_4A88D3ADC2966DF511291AF8CA9484C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresByUniqueNameAxis_DCDE9BDD922555A9204A1AF8CA9481F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureNameDomain_9DA054CBFCEA0526715F1AF8CA942E1A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresByUniqueNameAxis_DCDE9BDD922555A9204A1AF8CA9481F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureNameDomain_9DA054CBFCEA0526715F1AF8CA942E1A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureNameDomain_9DA054CBFCEA0526715F1AF8CA942E1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresByUniqueNameAxis_DCDE9BDD922555A9204A1AF8CA9481F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureNameDomain_9DA054CBFCEA0526715F1AF8CA942E1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ALLETECommonStockReceivedforLandInventoryMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_ALLETECommonStockReceivedforLandInventoryMember_A9DD66869E66A180239B1AF8CA94E6C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureNameDomain_9DA054CBFCEA0526715F1AF8CA942E1A" xlink:to="loc_ale_ALLETECommonStockReceivedforLandInventoryMember_A9DD66869E66A180239B1AF8CA94E6C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_LongTermFinanceReceivableforLandInventoryMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_LongTermFinanceReceivableforLandInventoryMember_AF850B7482B9B752D59F1AF8CA948DC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureNameDomain_9DA054CBFCEA0526715F1AF8CA942E1A" xlink:to="loc_ale_LongTermFinanceReceivableforLandInventoryMember_AF850B7482B9B752D59F1AF8CA948DC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureAmountOfConsiderationReceived1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureAmountOfConsiderationReceived1_C26EB1BA1C0F0F4210DE1AF8CA94D603" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestituresLineItems_F2963CFE1B5D124C3C621AF8CA94DE9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureAmountOfConsiderationReceived1_C26EB1BA1C0F0F4210DE1AF8CA94D603" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/OperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlans" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_16FB07BEC0DAFB3C60A1FD69CB8DD903" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_9C7F3F09422244D76C15FD69CB8D6E52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_16FB07BEC0DAFB3C60A1FD69CB8DD903" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_9C7F3F09422244D76C15FD69CB8D6E52" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_514A7D847875F88004D0FD69CB8D3407" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_9C7F3F09422244D76C15FD69CB8D6E52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_514A7D847875F88004D0FD69CB8D3407" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_B2F7002FB6A105AC9B2FFD69CB8D82A9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_514A7D847875F88004D0FD69CB8D3407" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_B2F7002FB6A105AC9B2FFD69CB8D82A9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_B2F7002FB6A105AC9B2FFD69CB8D82A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_514A7D847875F88004D0FD69CB8D3407" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_B2F7002FB6A105AC9B2FFD69CB8D82A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_B7EE19F2097533616A10FD69CB8D2070" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_B2F7002FB6A105AC9B2FFD69CB8D82A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_B7EE19F2097533616A10FD69CB8D2070" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_583BB5B902651ED01887FD69CB8D1AB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_B2F7002FB6A105AC9B2FFD69CB8D82A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_583BB5B902651ED01887FD69CB8D1AB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_C8F7DFAEB883348D3A94FD69CB8D2D2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_16FB07BEC0DAFB3C60A1FD69CB8DD903" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_C8F7DFAEB883348D3A94FD69CB8D2D2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_E4796441DC3DA0D5B70EFD69CB8DEFA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_C8F7DFAEB883348D3A94FD69CB8D2D2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_E4796441DC3DA0D5B70EFD69CB8DEFA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_E50C95AFE225AC0C4A1AFD69CB8DDAA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_C8F7DFAEB883348D3A94FD69CB8D2D2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_E50C95AFE225AC0C4A1AFD69CB8DDAA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_CD337D4007492D09B524FD69CB8D30A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_C8F7DFAEB883348D3A94FD69CB8D2D2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_CD337D4007492D09B524FD69CB8D30A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_7A9D180EC90CA91987ABFD69CB8D2CF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_C8F7DFAEB883348D3A94FD69CB8D2D2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_7A9D180EC90CA91987ABFD69CB8D2CF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_0A450EF17DF92B922F0BFD69CB8D5855" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_C8F7DFAEB883348D3A94FD69CB8D2D2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_0A450EF17DF92B922F0BFD69CB8D5855" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_E7FEA68F01E70C7EDCF3FD69CB8DC21C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_C8F7DFAEB883348D3A94FD69CB8D2D2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_E7FEA68F01E70C7EDCF3FD69CB8DC21C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_236CDD95EB3653A23F0BFD69CB8DA845" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_16FB07BEC0DAFB3C60A1FD69CB8DD903" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_236CDD95EB3653A23F0BFD69CB8DA845" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInCurrentFiscalYear_9685EF7D09741BC01F96FD69CB8D90A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_16FB07BEC0DAFB3C60A1FD69CB8DD903" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInCurrentFiscalYear_9685EF7D09741BC01F96FD69CB8D90A2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/ReclassificationsOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMatters" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersConservationImprovementProgramCipDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_573A9B988B609B11338C0262E82C02C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_85B9EC25A83B3681F5A50262E82CF025" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_573A9B988B609B11338C0262E82C02C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_85B9EC25A83B3681F5A50262E82CF025" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_F050D09BE84F916E40DA0262E82C3825" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_85B9EC25A83B3681F5A50262E82CF025" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_F050D09BE84F916E40DA0262E82C3825" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_25824D336A441F741FB60262E82C0074_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_F050D09BE84F916E40DA0262E82C3825" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_25824D336A441F741FB60262E82C0074_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_25824D336A441F741FB60262E82C0074" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_F050D09BE84F916E40DA0262E82C3825" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_25824D336A441F741FB60262E82C0074" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MPUCMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MPUCMember_8F4D7A2C6E1D0D9071500262E82C962B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_25824D336A441F741FB60262E82C0074" xlink:to="loc_ale_MPUCMember_8F4D7A2C6E1D0D9071500262E82C962B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_A91DB46F22E3ECDF5CD50262E82C2F1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_85B9EC25A83B3681F5A50262E82CF025" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_A91DB46F22E3ECDF5CD50262E82C2F1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_C02C403C0EB68E09EBF80262E82C8091_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_A91DB46F22E3ECDF5CD50262E82C2F1A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_C02C403C0EB68E09EBF80262E82C8091_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_C02C403C0EB68E09EBF80262E82C8091" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_A91DB46F22E3ECDF5CD50262E82C2F1A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_C02C403C0EB68E09EBF80262E82C8091" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CIPAnnualFilingMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_CIPAnnualFilingMember_C902595388DDAB4FC5E60262E82C8CB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_C02C403C0EB68E09EBF80262E82C8091" xlink:to="loc_ale_CIPAnnualFilingMember_C902595388DDAB4FC5E60262E82C8CB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_49FB4F34E488F4021D250262E82C1AA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_85B9EC25A83B3681F5A50262E82CF025" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_49FB4F34E488F4021D250262E82C1AA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_338BF931BBCE3CA46A1A0262E82CB085_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_49FB4F34E488F4021D250262E82C1AA4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_338BF931BBCE3CA46A1A0262E82CB085_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_338BF931BBCE3CA46A1A0262E82CB085" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_49FB4F34E488F4021D250262E82C1AA4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_338BF931BBCE3CA46A1A0262E82CB085" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MinnesotaPowerMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MinnesotaPowerMember_75FFCCE0F68D74BBA3700262E82CC650" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_338BF931BBCE3CA46A1A0262E82CB085" xlink:to="loc_ale_MinnesotaPowerMember_75FFCCE0F68D74BBA3700262E82CC650" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CIPSpendRequirement" xlink:label="loc_ale_CIPSpendRequirement_80AA2459513E9F62984B0262E82C8463" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_573A9B988B609B11338C0262E82C02C4" xlink:to="loc_ale_CIPSpendRequirement_80AA2459513E9F62984B0262E82C8463" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CIPFinancialIncentive" xlink:label="loc_ale_CIPFinancialIncentive_489634711BC7AFC8BFA20262E82C1ADB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_573A9B988B609B11338C0262E82C02C4" xlink:to="loc_ale_CIPFinancialIncentive_489634711BC7AFC8BFA20262E82C1ADB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersGreatNorthernTransmissionLineGntlDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_F2EC9241564BC57E8F785191E278D419" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_121C315CBBF5BCE13DE35191E277E90B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_F2EC9241564BC57E8F785191E278D419" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_121C315CBBF5BCE13DE35191E277E90B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_4D410C1E98EA54EC2A915191E2771099" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_121C315CBBF5BCE13DE35191E277E90B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_4D410C1E98EA54EC2A915191E2771099" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_03FA3A9539E4149D7D585191E2776481_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_4D410C1E98EA54EC2A915191E2771099" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_03FA3A9539E4149D7D585191E2776481_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_03FA3A9539E4149D7D585191E2776481" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_4D410C1E98EA54EC2A915191E2771099" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_03FA3A9539E4149D7D585191E2776481" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MPUCMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MPUCMember_4471CEEF5A3C80F7F7275191E2778B6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_03FA3A9539E4149D7D585191E2776481" xlink:to="loc_ale_MPUCMember_4471CEEF5A3C80F7F7275191E2778B6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_68B382568C42E038DA0B5191E2770A80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_121C315CBBF5BCE13DE35191E277E90B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_68B382568C42E038DA0B5191E2770A80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ABBC18BB36A2AA3B4E135191E2771855_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_68B382568C42E038DA0B5191E2770A80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ABBC18BB36A2AA3B4E135191E2771855_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ABBC18BB36A2AA3B4E135191E2771855" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_68B382568C42E038DA0B5191E2770A80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ABBC18BB36A2AA3B4E135191E2771855" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GreatNorthernTransmissionLineCertificateofNeedandRoutePermitMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_GreatNorthernTransmissionLineCertificateofNeedandRoutePermitMember_7A3615BCE311419399E15191E277C586" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ABBC18BB36A2AA3B4E135191E2771855" xlink:to="loc_ale_GreatNorthernTransmissionLineCertificateofNeedandRoutePermitMember_7A3615BCE311419399E15191E277C586" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TransmissionAxis" xlink:label="loc_ale_TransmissionAxis_6E54D5F6C6F927CDD3015191E277C360" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_121C315CBBF5BCE13DE35191E277E90B" xlink:to="loc_ale_TransmissionAxis_6E54D5F6C6F927CDD3015191E277C360" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TransmissionDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_TransmissionDomain_B4FC86A477F6E40F80FF5191E277FC7B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionAxis_6E54D5F6C6F927CDD3015191E277C360" xlink:to="loc_ale_TransmissionDomain_B4FC86A477F6E40F80FF5191E277FC7B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TransmissionDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_TransmissionDomain_B4FC86A477F6E40F80FF5191E277FC7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionAxis_6E54D5F6C6F927CDD3015191E277C360" xlink:to="loc_ale_TransmissionDomain_B4FC86A477F6E40F80FF5191E277FC7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GreatNorthernTransmissionLineMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_GreatNorthernTransmissionLineMember_E64C1F7855B831ADA6D25191E27760F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_TransmissionDomain_B4FC86A477F6E40F80FF5191E277FC7B" xlink:to="loc_ale_GreatNorthernTransmissionLineMember_E64C1F7855B831ADA6D25191E27760F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E09363CF3EA79E6BA5A35191E27747B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_121C315CBBF5BCE13DE35191E277E90B" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E09363CF3EA79E6BA5A35191E27747B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B32F003B1E5FF6F0BEE85191E2772BB5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E09363CF3EA79E6BA5A35191E27747B6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B32F003B1E5FF6F0BEE85191E2772BB5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B32F003B1E5FF6F0BEE85191E2772BB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E09363CF3EA79E6BA5A35191E27747B6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B32F003B1E5FF6F0BEE85191E2772BB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MinnesotaPowerMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MinnesotaPowerMember_AB6CCA2991641489743E5191E278464F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B32F003B1E5FF6F0BEE85191E2772BB5" xlink:to="loc_ale_MinnesotaPowerMember_AB6CCA2991641489743E5191E278464F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_3508F2585371BB99E6275191E27813A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_121C315CBBF5BCE13DE35191E277E90B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_3508F2585371BB99E6275191E27813A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_495F7D469B7931576C1A5191E278FC54_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_3508F2585371BB99E6275191E27813A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_495F7D469B7931576C1A5191E278FC54_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_495F7D469B7931576C1A5191E278FC54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_3508F2585371BB99E6275191E27813A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_495F7D469B7931576C1A5191E278FC54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ElectricTransmissionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ElectricTransmissionMember_8DE08B520D359C2B671F5191E27851F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_495F7D469B7931576C1A5191E278FC54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ElectricTransmissionMember_8DE08B520D359C2B671F5191E27851F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TransmissionLineLengthMiles" xlink:label="loc_ale_TransmissionLineLengthMiles_8AA7F09E54964C7E037E5191E278A102" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_F2EC9241564BC57E8F785191E278D419" xlink:to="loc_ale_TransmissionLineLengthMiles_8AA7F09E54964C7E037E5191E278A102" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_TransmissionLineCapacityKv" xlink:label="loc_ale_TransmissionLineCapacityKv_053F32348EF759F8AF8A5191E27806EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_F2EC9241564BC57E8F785191E278D419" xlink:to="loc_ale_TransmissionLineCapacityKv_053F32348EF759F8AF8A5191E27806EA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersIntegratedResourcePlanDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_80722ADA879EA35603F65191E28452CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_366E5986EACF92C4E6425191E2839A8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_80722ADA879EA35603F65191E28452CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_366E5986EACF92C4E6425191E2839A8C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_C584BAF2CE8E68467FEC5191E283E11E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_366E5986EACF92C4E6425191E2839A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_C584BAF2CE8E68467FEC5191E283E11E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_A2AC79F763A4CC1B7E575191E283C369_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_C584BAF2CE8E68467FEC5191E283E11E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_A2AC79F763A4CC1B7E575191E283C369_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_A2AC79F763A4CC1B7E575191E283C369" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_C584BAF2CE8E68467FEC5191E283E11E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_A2AC79F763A4CC1B7E575191E283C369" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MPUCMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MPUCMember_2A71FA41394BBF12DB3E5191E283CE75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_A2AC79F763A4CC1B7E575191E283C369" xlink:to="loc_ale_MPUCMember_2A71FA41394BBF12DB3E5191E283CE75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_24D5C88EC31BB99335E55191E2835C13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_366E5986EACF92C4E6425191E2839A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_24D5C88EC31BB99335E55191E2835C13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_67314368A97AEE3123505191E2837A61_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_24D5C88EC31BB99335E55191E2835C13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_67314368A97AEE3123505191E2837A61_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_67314368A97AEE3123505191E2837A61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_24D5C88EC31BB99335E55191E2835C13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_67314368A97AEE3123505191E2837A61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_IntegratedResourcePlanMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_IntegratedResourcePlanMember_A96FB9D3F5AFFB1DF0C45191E28363C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_67314368A97AEE3123505191E2837A61" xlink:to="loc_ale_IntegratedResourcePlanMember_A96FB9D3F5AFFB1DF0C45191E28363C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_D8E28831D28CF949E5065191E283B705" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_366E5986EACF92C4E6425191E2839A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_D8E28831D28CF949E5065191E283B705" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_4777A6FD3BA2FEA1A2DA5191E283854C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_D8E28831D28CF949E5065191E283B705" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_4777A6FD3BA2FEA1A2DA5191E283854C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_4777A6FD3BA2FEA1A2DA5191E283854C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_D8E28831D28CF949E5065191E283B705" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_4777A6FD3BA2FEA1A2DA5191E283854C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasProcessingPlantMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasProcessingPlantMember_1D93A5D2101F84BAEA1D5191E283A7E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_4777A6FD3BA2FEA1A2DA5191E283854C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasProcessingPlantMember_1D93A5D2101F84BAEA1D5191E283A7E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AF0782C0358FBFEB5B945191E283A637" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_366E5986EACF92C4E6425191E2839A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AF0782C0358FBFEB5B945191E283A637" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6AC1AD79340D9FC3B76A5191E28397DF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AF0782C0358FBFEB5B945191E283A637" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6AC1AD79340D9FC3B76A5191E28397DF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6AC1AD79340D9FC3B76A5191E28397DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AF0782C0358FBFEB5B945191E283A637" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6AC1AD79340D9FC3B76A5191E28397DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_C23152C9A4FA1A910AA85191E283AC72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6AC1AD79340D9FC3B76A5191E28397DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_C23152C9A4FA1A910AA85191E283AC72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_D5A766A75F08D88252985191E284371E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6AC1AD79340D9FC3B76A5191E28397DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_D5A766A75F08D88252985191E284371E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8803E16671350E40E5375191E284278A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_366E5986EACF92C4E6425191E2839A8C" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8803E16671350E40E5375191E284278A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_58C4B92F1C90D1594CF35191E284D636_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8803E16671350E40E5375191E284278A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_58C4B92F1C90D1594CF35191E284D636_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_58C4B92F1C90D1594CF35191E284D636" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8803E16671350E40E5375191E284278A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_58C4B92F1C90D1594CF35191E284D636" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MinnesotaPowerMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MinnesotaPowerMember_9AC6769413346864EBD95191E284A416" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_58C4B92F1C90D1594CF35191E284D636" xlink:to="loc_ale_MinnesotaPowerMember_9AC6769413346864EBD95191E284A416" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingCapacityMw" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_B0CF885CAA1FFDCB4B905191E2846696" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_80722ADA879EA35603F65191E28452CC" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_B0CF885CAA1FFDCB4B905191E2846696" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersMinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_1A482ADF97BA46C6E6B35191E2965FAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_B4840F17517EB4D2FA325191E2954F31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_1A482ADF97BA46C6E6B35191E2965FAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_B4840F17517EB4D2FA325191E2954F31" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_D5037D9D611E69379CE85191E295D472" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_B4840F17517EB4D2FA325191E2954F31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_D5037D9D611E69379CE85191E295D472" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_7FF6033493A77E7F18455191E295ECD6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_D5037D9D611E69379CE85191E295D472" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_7FF6033493A77E7F18455191E295ECD6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_7FF6033493A77E7F18455191E295ECD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_D5037D9D611E69379CE85191E295D472" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_7FF6033493A77E7F18455191E295ECD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MPUCMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MPUCMember_564E6E92D8CD39E0413D5191E2956551" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_7FF6033493A77E7F18455191E295ECD6" xlink:to="loc_ale_MPUCMember_564E6E92D8CD39E0413D5191E2956551" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_CABD60C2E6C13A3DCB9D5191E29655C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_B4840F17517EB4D2FA325191E2954F31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_CABD60C2E6C13A3DCB9D5191E29655C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ED8305C24D2FF101C6965191E296AD1B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_CABD60C2E6C13A3DCB9D5191E29655C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ED8305C24D2FF101C6965191E296AD1B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ED8305C24D2FF101C6965191E296AD1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_CABD60C2E6C13A3DCB9D5191E29655C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ED8305C24D2FF101C6965191E296AD1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardMember_6BD2854030E10F6522D45191E296F951" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ED8305C24D2FF101C6965191E296AD1B" xlink:to="loc_ale_MinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardMember_6BD2854030E10F6522D45191E296F951" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardCampRipleyProjectMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardCampRipleyProjectMember_E915742011CAA05A1CAF5191E2969522" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ED8305C24D2FF101C6965191E296AD1B" xlink:to="loc_ale_MinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardCampRipleyProjectMember_E915742011CAA05A1CAF5191E2969522" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardCommunitySolarGardenProjectPurchasedOutputMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardCommunitySolarGardenProjectPurchasedOutputMember_4A1A64EEC67288C6C50D5191E2963B90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ED8305C24D2FF101C6965191E296AD1B" xlink:to="loc_ale_MinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardCommunitySolarGardenProjectPurchasedOutputMember_4A1A64EEC67288C6C50D5191E2963B90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardCommunitySolarGardenProjectOwnedandOperatedMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardCommunitySolarGardenProjectOwnedandOperatedMember_29FA4DAD4137B9ED728E5191E29652B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_ED8305C24D2FF101C6965191E296AD1B" xlink:to="loc_ale_MinnesotaSolarEnergyStandardCommunitySolarGardenProjectOwnedandOperatedMember_29FA4DAD4137B9ED728E5191E29652B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_501A667F298BA45D3DB85191E2965FCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_B4840F17517EB4D2FA325191E2954F31" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_501A667F298BA45D3DB85191E2965FCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C4759FA53A0269867B5B5191E2961530_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_501A667F298BA45D3DB85191E2965FCD" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C4759FA53A0269867B5B5191E2961530_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C4759FA53A0269867B5B5191E2961530" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_501A667F298BA45D3DB85191E2965FCD" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C4759FA53A0269867B5B5191E2961530" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MinnesotaPowerMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MinnesotaPowerMember_BDAAC40655D6259E055C5191E296E16A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C4759FA53A0269867B5B5191E2961530" xlink:to="loc_ale_MinnesotaPowerMember_BDAAC40655D6259E055C5191E296E16A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3DC436AB5E3BF2481C8E5191E296E5C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_B4840F17517EB4D2FA325191E2954F31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3DC436AB5E3BF2481C8E5191E296E5C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F2ACF1EDD7FB381B615A5191E29698BF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3DC436AB5E3BF2481C8E5191E296E5C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F2ACF1EDD7FB381B615A5191E29698BF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F2ACF1EDD7FB381B615A5191E29698BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3DC436AB5E3BF2481C8E5191E296E5C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F2ACF1EDD7FB381B615A5191E29698BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_8C22A33D224C3F1666865191E2961CDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F2ACF1EDD7FB381B615A5191E29698BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_8C22A33D224C3F1666865191E2961CDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_62E2FE7788E20130970D5191E29695FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F2ACF1EDD7FB381B615A5191E29698BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_62E2FE7788E20130970D5191E29695FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SolarEnergyStandardMandateOverallMandatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_ale_SolarEnergyStandardMandateOverallMandatePercentage_DB515CC57EF87315D14A5191E297EB28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_1A482ADF97BA46C6E6B35191E2965FAA" xlink:to="loc_ale_SolarEnergyStandardMandateOverallMandatePercentage_DB515CC57EF87315D14A5191E297EB28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SolarEnergyStandardMandateSmallScaleSolarMandatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_ale_SolarEnergyStandardMandateSmallScaleSolarMandatePercentage_811B778E99503D2EFC385191E297901B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_1A482ADF97BA46C6E6B35191E2965FAA" xlink:to="loc_ale_SolarEnergyStandardMandateSmallScaleSolarMandatePercentage_811B778E99503D2EFC385191E297901B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SolarEnergyStandardMandateQualifyingCapacityforSmallScaleSolarMandate" xlink:label="loc_ale_SolarEnergyStandardMandateQualifyingCapacityforSmallScaleSolarMandate_CB6A5F6E5E80A911F7485191E297B5E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_1A482ADF97BA46C6E6B35191E2965FAA" xlink:to="loc_ale_SolarEnergyStandardMandateQualifyingCapacityforSmallScaleSolarMandate_CB6A5F6E5E80A911F7485191E297B5E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_NumberOfProjects" xlink:label="loc_ale_NumberOfProjects_6E0DF1096729EA3981025191E297C9FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_1A482ADF97BA46C6E6B35191E2965FAA" xlink:to="loc_ale_NumberOfProjects_6E0DF1096729EA3981025191E297C9FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingCapacityMw" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_F5DBD4F1B08BF50530225191E297A049" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_1A482ADF97BA46C6E6B35191E2965FAA" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_F5DBD4F1B08BF50530225191E297A049" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SolarEnergyStandardMandatePercentageofOverallMandateExpectedtobeMetwithCurrentFilingsorProjects" xlink:label="loc_ale_SolarEnergyStandardMandatePercentageofOverallMandateExpectedtobeMetwithCurrentFilingsorProjects_5F34E22AB199229F90445191E297F3B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_1A482ADF97BA46C6E6B35191E2965FAA" xlink:to="loc_ale_SolarEnergyStandardMandatePercentageofOverallMandateExpectedtobeMetwithCurrentFilingsorProjects_5F34E22AB199229F90445191E297F3B0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersMisoReturnOnEquityComplaintsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_83B1EFA037F9685C3ADD1AFA2648F28B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_73A8CC65E08F69A93EEB1AFA26480E3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_83B1EFA037F9685C3ADD1AFA2648F28B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_73A8CC65E08F69A93EEB1AFA26480E3A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_F06A12895F7DF07816EF1AFA2648FB21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_73A8CC65E08F69A93EEB1AFA26480E3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_F06A12895F7DF07816EF1AFA2648FB21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_1485F8381272AE5AAB3C1AFA2648BDD3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_F06A12895F7DF07816EF1AFA2648FB21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_1485F8381272AE5AAB3C1AFA2648BDD3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_1485F8381272AE5AAB3C1AFA2648BDD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_F06A12895F7DF07816EF1AFA2648FB21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_1485F8381272AE5AAB3C1AFA2648BDD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_FERCMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_FERCMember_D8B597BB116E9A8F41BD1AFA2648F3E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_1485F8381272AE5AAB3C1AFA2648BDD3" xlink:to="loc_ale_FERCMember_D8B597BB116E9A8F41BD1AFA2648F3E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_07D73971799DE7326CD31AFA264851AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_73A8CC65E08F69A93EEB1AFA26480E3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_07D73971799DE7326CD31AFA264851AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_FF9868A2ACDD9A3717F21AFA264822F9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_07D73971799DE7326CD31AFA264851AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_FF9868A2ACDD9A3717F21AFA264822F9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_FF9868A2ACDD9A3717F21AFA264822F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_07D73971799DE7326CD31AFA264851AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_FF9868A2ACDD9A3717F21AFA264822F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_FERCComplaint1Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_FERCComplaint1Member_1DB9CC86D57590D0E4AE1AFA264888CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_FF9868A2ACDD9A3717F21AFA264822F9" xlink:to="loc_ale_FERCComplaint1Member_1DB9CC86D57590D0E4AE1AFA264888CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_FERCComplaint2Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_FERCComplaint2Member_DA6BE3F1482E85926EFC1AFA26487BCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_FF9868A2ACDD9A3717F21AFA264822F9" xlink:to="loc_ale_FERCComplaint2Member_DA6BE3F1482E85926EFC1AFA26487BCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_IncentiveAdderMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_IncentiveAdderMember_607713FCDAB681C911FD1AFA2648D73D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_FF9868A2ACDD9A3717F21AFA264822F9" xlink:to="loc_ale_IncentiveAdderMember_607713FCDAB681C911FD1AFA2648D73D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_RequestedReturnonCommonEquityFiledwithRegulatoryOrganization" xlink:label="loc_ale_RequestedReturnonCommonEquityFiledwithRegulatoryOrganization_B9246D6A01F4C82263181AFA2648CD71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_83B1EFA037F9685C3ADD1AFA2648F28B" xlink:to="loc_ale_RequestedReturnonCommonEquityFiledwithRegulatoryOrganization_B9246D6A01F4C82263181AFA2648CD71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_FERCAuthorizedReturnonCommonEquity" xlink:label="loc_ale_FERCAuthorizedReturnonCommonEquity_C6C34F190D8F6A5886931AFA2648E940" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_83B1EFA037F9685C3ADD1AFA2648F28B" xlink:to="loc_ale_FERCAuthorizedReturnonCommonEquity_C6C34F190D8F6A5886931AFA2648E940" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ProposedReturnonCommonEquitybyRegulatoryOrganization" xlink:label="loc_ale_ProposedReturnonCommonEquitybyRegulatoryOrganization_77C0FE9C1CF86E307C591AFA26488E19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_83B1EFA037F9685C3ADD1AFA2648F28B" xlink:to="loc_ale_ProposedReturnonCommonEquitybyRegulatoryOrganization_77C0FE9C1CF86E307C591AFA26488E19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_IncentiveAdderforParticipationinRegionalTransmissionOrganization" xlink:label="loc_ale_IncentiveAdderforParticipationinRegionalTransmissionOrganization_EB8791E898DD31CEFD111AFA26526B18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_83B1EFA037F9685C3ADD1AFA2648F28B" xlink:to="loc_ale_IncentiveAdderforParticipationinRegionalTransmissionOrganization_EB8791E898DD31CEFD111AFA26526B18" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ale_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_36CC42053389963EB3940262DE54C1FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_ale_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable_0C553F6D1BD9D368705E0262DE542BCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ale_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_36CC42053389963EB3940262DE54C1FD" xlink:to="loc_ale_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable_0C553F6D1BD9D368705E0262DE542BCF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_19FCB745172085C7871C0262DE545909" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ale_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable_0C553F6D1BD9D368705E0262DE542BCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_19FCB745172085C7871C0262DE545909" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_BD0D9B732B4653B6847B0262DE54BA4F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_19FCB745172085C7871C0262DE545909" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_BD0D9B732B4653B6847B0262DE54BA4F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_BD0D9B732B4653B6847B0262DE54BA4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_19FCB745172085C7871C0262DE545909" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_BD0D9B732B4653B6847B0262DE54BA4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember_EC65AFD10FC879F1B9020262DE54D525" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_BD0D9B732B4653B6847B0262DE54BA4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember_EC65AFD10FC879F1B9020262DE54D525" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_7A1F0F057DDC4C91AAB50262DE5460EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_BD0D9B732B4653B6847B0262DE54BA4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_7A1F0F057DDC4C91AAB50262DE5460EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember_409DBA28BC5AA99790B20262DE5448EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_BD0D9B732B4653B6847B0262DE54BA4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember_409DBA28BC5AA99790B20262DE5448EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CurrentCostRecoveryRiderMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_CurrentCostRecoveryRiderMember_F555C625109BC279EA6A0262DE54B73A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_BD0D9B732B4653B6847B0262DE54BA4F" xlink:to="loc_ale_CurrentCostRecoveryRiderMember_F555C625109BC279EA6A0262DE54B73A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember_7C9573A3611A5738B7DD0262DE54A2B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_BD0D9B732B4653B6847B0262DE54BA4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember_7C9573A3611A5738B7DD0262DE54A2B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MedicarePartDRegulatoryAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MedicarePartDRegulatoryAssetMember_02013E7079034122922A0262DE545E66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_BD0D9B732B4653B6847B0262DE54BA4F" xlink:to="loc_ale_MedicarePartDRegulatoryAssetMember_02013E7079034122922A0262DE545E66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_A7CF755625BA5977470E0262DE549CD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_BD0D9B732B4653B6847B0262DE54BA4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_A7CF755625BA5977470E0262DE549CD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_E7E6A2CF467340D172DB0262DE54AA4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ale_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable_0C553F6D1BD9D368705E0262DE542BCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_E7E6A2CF467340D172DB0262DE54AA4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF13E560AA2DA813E6260262DE543174_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_E7E6A2CF467340D172DB0262DE54AA4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF13E560AA2DA813E6260262DE543174_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF13E560AA2DA813E6260262DE543174" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_E7E6A2CF467340D172DB0262DE54AA4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF13E560AA2DA813E6260262DE543174" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_WholesaleAndRetailContraAfudcMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_WholesaleAndRetailContraAfudcMember_9D568630145C16F9A7D10262DE54972D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF13E560AA2DA813E6260262DE543174" xlink:to="loc_ale_WholesaleAndRetailContraAfudcMember_9D568630145C16F9A7D10262DE54972D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_NorthDakotaInvestmentTaxCreditsSubjecttoRefundMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_NorthDakotaInvestmentTaxCreditsSubjecttoRefundMember_85BDD58FD9391B7D94830262DE54DB2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF13E560AA2DA813E6260262DE543174" xlink:to="loc_ale_NorthDakotaInvestmentTaxCreditsSubjecttoRefundMember_85BDD58FD9391B7D94830262DE54DB2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember_22ADBE2264CADA96536D0262DE545AC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF13E560AA2DA813E6260262DE543174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember_22ADBE2264CADA96536D0262DE545AC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember_59539D41ED80CE75A6C60262DE54B112" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF13E560AA2DA813E6260262DE543174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember_59539D41ED80CE75A6C60262DE54B112" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_0D0038DDCB2D05326C510262DE54A981" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF13E560AA2DA813E6260262DE543174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_0D0038DDCB2D05326C510262DE54A981" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_4E585379245E822C99E30262DE5472F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF13E560AA2DA813E6260262DE543174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_4E585379245E822C99E30262DE5472F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypesOfNetRegulatoryAssetsEarningReturns" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypesOfNetRegulatoryAssetsEarningReturns_3A9920647E18280837460262DE54BEFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_36CC42053389963EB3940262DE54C1FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypesOfNetRegulatoryAssetsEarningReturns_3A9920647E18280837460262DE54BEFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_5CBCD7131D7A4E63C5DF0262DE54EA40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_36CC42053389963EB3940262DE54C1FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_5CBCD7131D7A4E63C5DF0262DE54EA40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_B67093AC653A300234CA0262DE5410B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_36CC42053389963EB3940262DE54C1FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_B67093AC653A300234CA0262DE5410B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_F02902C529AB348888540262DE543C24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_36CC42053389963EB3940262DE54C1FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_F02902C529AB348888540262DE543C24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_F9CB298F537CACF092BB0262DE545AF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_36CC42053389963EB3940262DE54C1FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_F9CB298F537CACF092BB0262DE545AF9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/RegulatoryMattersUtilityRatesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_0B5AEA26F7A0DD503124257A77F21EFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_0B5AEA26F7A0DD503124257A77F21EFC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_RateTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_ale_RateTypeAxis_86BBD262D9212D69B087257A77F293D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_0B5AEA26F7A0DD503124257A77F21EFC" xlink:to="loc_ale_RateTypeAxis_86BBD262D9212D69B087257A77F293D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_RateInformationByTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_RateInformationByTypeDomain_2B1713C2AEFAD1AD1578257A77F20B75_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ale_RateTypeAxis_86BBD262D9212D69B087257A77F293D1" xlink:to="loc_ale_RateInformationByTypeDomain_2B1713C2AEFAD1AD1578257A77F20B75_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_RateInformationByTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_RateInformationByTypeDomain_2B1713C2AEFAD1AD1578257A77F20B75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ale_RateTypeAxis_86BBD262D9212D69B087257A77F293D1" xlink:to="loc_ale_RateInformationByTypeDomain_2B1713C2AEFAD1AD1578257A77F20B75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ElectricRatesMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_ElectricRatesMember_FA010685A04A56B950E0257A77F26B2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_RateInformationByTypeDomain_2B1713C2AEFAD1AD1578257A77F20B75" xlink:to="loc_ale_ElectricRatesMember_FA010685A04A56B950E0257A77F26B2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_NaturalGasRatesMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_NaturalGasRatesMember_BB84B639A6582001C85A257A77F269EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_RateInformationByTypeDomain_2B1713C2AEFAD1AD1578257A77F20B75" xlink:to="loc_ale_NaturalGasRatesMember_BB84B639A6582001C85A257A77F269EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_WaterRatesMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_WaterRatesMember_466EE817B89EBAC37462257A77F34B05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_RateInformationByTypeDomain_2B1713C2AEFAD1AD1578257A77F20B75" xlink:to="loc_ale_WaterRatesMember_466EE817B89EBAC37462257A77F34B05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_EE011C8C57EAC6B6770E257A77F3EBEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_0B5AEA26F7A0DD503124257A77F21EFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_EE011C8C57EAC6B6770E257A77F3EBEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_E8B1C0261B693B27835D257A77F363D7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_EE011C8C57EAC6B6770E257A77F3EBEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_E8B1C0261B693B27835D257A77F363D7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_E8B1C0261B693B27835D257A77F363D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_EE011C8C57EAC6B6770E257A77F3EBEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_E8B1C0261B693B27835D257A77F363D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MPUCMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MPUCMember_237793DB3F54EFDE0F35257A77F3999A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_E8B1C0261B693B27835D257A77F363D7" xlink:to="loc_ale_MPUCMember_237793DB3F54EFDE0F35257A77F3999A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_FERCMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_FERCMember_F3D20C861F5033127F8D257A77F33E12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_E8B1C0261B693B27835D257A77F363D7" xlink:to="loc_ale_FERCMember_F3D20C861F5033127F8D257A77F33E12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_PSCWMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_PSCWMember_17E3D9884C32CF6F9F40257A77F3E776" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_E8B1C0261B693B27835D257A77F363D7" xlink:to="loc_ale_PSCWMember_17E3D9884C32CF6F9F40257A77F3E776" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_E420FF5BD580FC599BBA257A77F3AB2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_0B5AEA26F7A0DD503124257A77F21EFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_E420FF5BD580FC599BBA257A77F3AB2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_CED9AC43EC05D44C46AE257A77F32AEA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_E420FF5BD580FC599BBA257A77F3AB2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_CED9AC43EC05D44C46AE257A77F32AEA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_CED9AC43EC05D44C46AE257A77F32AEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_E420FF5BD580FC599BBA257A77F3AB2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_CED9AC43EC05D44C46AE257A77F32AEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_A2010RateCaseMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_A2010RateCaseMember_20160810C8C7541773BD257A77F3CA11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_CED9AC43EC05D44C46AE257A77F32AEA" xlink:to="loc_ale_A2010RateCaseMember_20160810C8C7541773BD257A77F3CA11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CurrentCostRecoveryRiderMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_CurrentCostRecoveryRiderMember_A463BB3FA44351530306257A77F3E06E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_CED9AC43EC05D44C46AE257A77F32AEA" xlink:to="loc_ale_CurrentCostRecoveryRiderMember_A463BB3FA44351530306257A77F3E06E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_A2016MinnesotaRateCaseMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_A2016MinnesotaRateCaseMemberMember_0C9A557B0263DA588DA0257A77F3F3A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_CED9AC43EC05D44C46AE257A77F32AEA" xlink:to="loc_ale_A2016MinnesotaRateCaseMemberMember_0C9A557B0263DA588DA0257A77F3F3A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_FercApprovedWholesaleRatesMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_FercApprovedWholesaleRatesMember_E4210844FD08515C00FC257A77F31E65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_CED9AC43EC05D44C46AE257A77F32AEA" xlink:to="loc_ale_FercApprovedWholesaleRatesMember_E4210844FD08515C00FC257A77F31E65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_RenewableCostRecoveryRiderMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_RenewableCostRecoveryRiderMember_5C96BF1BE7AE811D32A3257A77F4EBDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_CED9AC43EC05D44C46AE257A77F32AEA" xlink:to="loc_ale_RenewableCostRecoveryRiderMember_5C96BF1BE7AE811D32A3257A77F4EBDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_A2012WisconsinRateCaseMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_A2012WisconsinRateCaseMember_F8AF5D91623BE549F58F257A77F449CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_CED9AC43EC05D44C46AE257A77F32AEA" xlink:to="loc_ale_A2012WisconsinRateCaseMember_F8AF5D91623BE549F58F257A77F449CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_A2016WisconsinRateCaseMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_A2016WisconsinRateCaseMember_53F15E69655292BDE15F257A77F4E24D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_CED9AC43EC05D44C46AE257A77F32AEA" xlink:to="loc_ale_A2016WisconsinRateCaseMember_53F15E69655292BDE15F257A77F4E24D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_52E390CBDE4EF24BA463257A77F48F46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_0B5AEA26F7A0DD503124257A77F21EFC" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_52E390CBDE4EF24BA463257A77F48F46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_31C603061A4B6A157391257A77F414FE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_52E390CBDE4EF24BA463257A77F48F46" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_31C603061A4B6A157391257A77F414FE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_31C603061A4B6A157391257A77F414FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_52E390CBDE4EF24BA463257A77F48F46" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_31C603061A4B6A157391257A77F414FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MinnesotaPowerMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MinnesotaPowerMember_C3B9677BBAD2E4143988257A77F41472" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_31C603061A4B6A157391257A77F414FE" xlink:to="loc_ale_MinnesotaPowerMember_C3B9677BBAD2E4143988257A77F41472" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_SWLPMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_SWLPMember_9EFF121E933C8C8C47A2257A77F40E0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_31C603061A4B6A157391257A77F414FE" xlink:to="loc_ale_SWLPMember_9EFF121E933C8C8C47A2257A77F40E0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CustomerClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_ale_CustomerClassAxis_CD5033B75655EF7AF8AF257A77F40710" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_0B5AEA26F7A0DD503124257A77F21EFC" xlink:to="loc_ale_CustomerClassAxis_CD5033B75655EF7AF8AF257A77F40710" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CustomerClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_CustomerClassDomain_5B6AD07E17C969233E87257A77F4F33F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ale_CustomerClassAxis_CD5033B75655EF7AF8AF257A77F40710" xlink:to="loc_ale_CustomerClassDomain_5B6AD07E17C969233E87257A77F4F33F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_CustomerClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_CustomerClassDomain_5B6AD07E17C969233E87257A77F4F33F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ale_CustomerClassAxis_CD5033B75655EF7AF8AF257A77F40710" xlink:to="loc_ale_CustomerClassDomain_5B6AD07E17C969233E87257A77F4F33F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_RetailCustomersMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_RetailCustomersMember_8E52C018BF325293BA6A257A77F4DF22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_CustomerClassDomain_5B6AD07E17C969233E87257A77F4F33F" xlink:to="loc_ale_RetailCustomersMember_8E52C018BF325293BA6A257A77F4DF22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_MunicipalCustomersMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_MunicipalCustomersMember_5E363F5A1A6E0E63C648257A77F4944C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_CustomerClassDomain_5B6AD07E17C969233E87257A77F4F33F" xlink:to="loc_ale_MunicipalCustomersMember_5E363F5A1A6E0E63C648257A77F4944C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerAxis" xlink:label="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerAxis_9678375879AB52883C00257A77F4E8E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_0B5AEA26F7A0DD503124257A77F21EFC" xlink:to="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerAxis_9678375879AB52883C00257A77F4E8E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_798C1000F4D7EC044E08257A77F41F14_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerAxis_9678375879AB52883C00257A77F4E8E6" xlink:to="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_798C1000F4D7EC044E08257A77F41F14_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_798C1000F4D7EC044E08257A77F41F14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerAxis_9678375879AB52883C00257A77F4E8E6" xlink:to="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_798C1000F4D7EC044E08257A77F41F14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_WholesaleElectricContractsExpireDecember2024Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_WholesaleElectricContractsExpireDecember2024Member_1DDA7A96BBD4F8EE83E1257A77F4CBBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_798C1000F4D7EC044E08257A77F41F14" xlink:to="loc_ale_WholesaleElectricContractsExpireDecember2024Member_1DDA7A96BBD4F8EE83E1257A77F4CBBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_WholesaleElectricContractTerminationEffectiveJune2019Member" xlink:label="loc_ale_WholesaleElectricContractTerminationEffectiveJune2019Member_B0357AF4D91F607580EB257A77F53ABD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_798C1000F4D7EC044E08257A77F41F14" xlink:to="loc_ale_WholesaleElectricContractTerminationEffectiveJune2019Member_B0357AF4D91F607580EB257A77F53ABD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_WholesaleElectricContractCostBasedFormulaMethodologyforEntireTermMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_WholesaleElectricContractCostBasedFormulaMethodologyforEntireTermMember_AA4D3525A9CD9D2A351C257A77F51314" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_LongtermContractsforSaleofElectricPowerDomain_798C1000F4D7EC044E08257A77F41F14" xlink:to="loc_ale_WholesaleElectricContractCostBasedFormulaMethodologyforEntireTermMember_AA4D3525A9CD9D2A351C257A77F51314" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_5ADED127A02C56D242D9257A77F5D4DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_0B5AEA26F7A0DD503124257A77F21EFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_5ADED127A02C56D242D9257A77F5D4DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4CE4BB05957B3288348C257A77F585A4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_5ADED127A02C56D242D9257A77F5D4DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4CE4BB05957B3288348C257A77F585A4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4CE4BB05957B3288348C257A77F585A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_5ADED127A02C56D242D9257A77F5D4DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4CE4BB05957B3288348C257A77F585A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1280E0E7748D870357F4257A77F56F37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4CE4BB05957B3288348C257A77F585A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1280E0E7748D870357F4257A77F56F37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_AC368EC463FFDB6EC9D0257A77F50CAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4CE4BB05957B3288348C257A77F585A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_AC368EC463FFDB6EC9D0257A77F50CAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingFacilityAxisAxis" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityAxisAxis_A8B8124D7A65C0139783257A77F566A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_0B5AEA26F7A0DD503124257A77F21EFC" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityAxisAxis_A8B8124D7A65C0139783257A77F566A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain_7CC480DDA7ECE5E4E32D257A77F533DA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityAxisAxis_A8B8124D7A65C0139783257A77F566A7" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain_7CC480DDA7ECE5E4E32D257A77F533DA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain_7CC480DDA7ECE5E4E32D257A77F533DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityAxisAxis_A8B8124D7A65C0139783257A77F566A7" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain_7CC480DDA7ECE5E4E32D257A77F533DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_BisonWindEnergyCenterMember" xlink:label="loc_ale_BisonWindEnergyCenterMember_7D6BDF4144E44DECE20F257A77F5CEBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ale_GeneratingFacilityUnitNameDomain_7CC480DDA7ECE5E4E32D257A77F533DA" xlink:to="loc_ale_BisonWindEnergyCenterMember_7D6BDF4144E44DECE20F257A77F5CEBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F3248766E6C1B5100204257A77F58344" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_0B5AEA26F7A0DD503124257A77F21EFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F3248766E6C1B5100204257A77F58344" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_843E3B2AC9CC86976151257A77F5E5E1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F3248766E6C1B5100204257A77F58344" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_843E3B2AC9CC86976151257A77F5E5E1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_843E3B2AC9CC86976151257A77F5E5E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F3248766E6C1B5100204257A77F58344" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_843E3B2AC9CC86976151257A77F5E5E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_3D449AF634863B08367D257A77F56B7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_843E3B2AC9CC86976151257A77F5E5E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_3D449AF634863B08367D257A77F56B7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_057E150471AF40963926257A77F51948" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_0B5AEA26F7A0DD503124257A77F21EFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_057E150471AF40963926257A77F51948" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_BF36B7AF9F3531464876257A77F59A7B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_057E150471AF40963926257A77F51948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_BF36B7AF9F3531464876257A77F59A7B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_BF36B7AF9F3531464876257A77F59A7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_057E150471AF40963926257A77F51948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_BF36B7AF9F3531464876257A77F59A7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_1DF1CF8F2C86F869B6C6257A77F6BF6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_BF36B7AF9F3531464876257A77F59A7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_1DF1CF8F2C86F869B6C6257A77F6BF6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedReturnOnEquityPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedReturnOnEquityPercentage_93302F527CF8946F4169257A77F605EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedReturnOnEquityPercentage_93302F527CF8946F4169257A77F605EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedEquityCapitalStructurePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedEquityCapitalStructurePercentage_79FECC0477D644664F26257A77F6919D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedEquityCapitalStructurePercentage_79FECC0477D644664F26257A77F6919D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedOperatingRevenueOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatedOperatingRevenueOther_DF677B79EB4FF2B2A554257A77F69C50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatedOperatingRevenueOther_DF677B79EB4FF2B2A554257A77F69C50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreasePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreasePercentage_51EC3DD28D60FF3BE940257A77F658A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreasePercentage_51EC3DD28D60FF3BE940257A77F658A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedReturnOnEquityPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedReturnOnEquityPercentage_1E0CE42B6C54D2C2ECF1257A77F6F938" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedReturnOnEquityPercentage_1E0CE42B6C54D2C2ECF1257A77F6F938" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedEquityCapitalStructurePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedEquityCapitalStructurePercentage_9A0CADFBD7BD99DBF39D257A77F6204C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedEquityCapitalStructurePercentage_9A0CADFBD7BD99DBF39D257A77F6204C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedDebtCapitalStructurePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedDebtCapitalStructurePercentage_34857A524F5007263E55257A77F671F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedDebtCapitalStructurePercentage_34857A524F5007263E55257A77F671F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount_5294718F168DC999A4FF257A77F69A10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount_5294718F168DC999A4FF257A77F69A10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInterimRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInterimRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount_96FFAC68AAEAC408605E257AFB25B2D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInterimRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount_96FFAC68AAEAC408605E257AFB25B2D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_NumberOfCustomers" xlink:label="loc_ale_NumberOfCustomers_0688FC679E705CEBF934257A77F6FF30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_ale_NumberOfCustomers_0688FC679E705CEBF934257A77F6FF30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_LengthOfNoticeRequiredToTerminateYears" xlink:label="loc_ale_LengthOfNoticeRequiredToTerminateYears_EFFEAF967FE43E8E792D257A77F6816D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_ale_LengthOfNoticeRequiredToTerminateYears_EFFEAF967FE43E8E792D257A77F6816D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_ChangeinAnnualCapacityChargePerContractPercentage" xlink:label="loc_ale_ChangeinAnnualCapacityChargePerContractPercentage_1A6BF2B59524C3D4339C257A77F66F8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_ale_ChangeinAnnualCapacityChargePerContractPercentage_1A6BF2B59524C3D4339C257A77F66F8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_AverageCustomerDemandMW" xlink:label="loc_ale_AverageCustomerDemandMW_7ADA62656B9416D10AEB257A77F6BA73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_ale_AverageCustomerDemandMW_7ADA62656B9416D10AEB257A77F6BA73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_GeneratingCapacityMw" xlink:label="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_5524011284133FB19EB4257A77F756B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_ale_GeneratingCapacityMw_5524011284133FB19EB4257A77F756B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedOperatingRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatedOperatingRevenue_3B0702F487C156A0DC46257A77F79CB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatedOperatingRevenue_3B0702F487C156A0DC46257A77F79CB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxAdjustmentsSettlementsAndUnusualProvisions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxAdjustmentsSettlementsAndUnusualProvisions_A3AC2D41675C8553801F257A77F75DC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_DEEFC4ACBA1524E440DB257A77F6F5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxAdjustmentsSettlementsAndUnusualProvisions_A3AC2D41675C8553801F257A77F75DC6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermDebtFinancialCovenantsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F2867DC5D2A0CB22ACC65191E3E91590" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_20F3738F35245630B52D5191E3E36EE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F2867DC5D2A0CB22ACC65191E3E91590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_20F3738F35245630B52D5191E3E36EE9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_A9FB53141A1B0D6EBCEA5191E3E37965" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_20F3738F35245630B52D5191E3E36EE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_A9FB53141A1B0D6EBCEA5191E3E37965" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A9248407D7E1E59241E15191E3E9D4EA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_A9FB53141A1B0D6EBCEA5191E3E37965" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A9248407D7E1E59241E15191E3E9D4EA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A9248407D7E1E59241E15191E3E9D4EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_A9FB53141A1B0D6EBCEA5191E3E37965" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A9248407D7E1E59241E15191E3E9D4EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_EEC6DDC13578E7A842105191E3E90439" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A9248407D7E1E59241E15191E3E9D4EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_EEC6DDC13578E7A842105191E3E90439" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_DebtInstrumentRequiredIndebtednessToTotalCapitalRatio" xlink:label="loc_ale_DebtInstrumentRequiredIndebtednessToTotalCapitalRatio_636BFE9EB67051590A585191E3E992CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F2867DC5D2A0CB22ACC65191E3E91590" xlink:to="loc_ale_DebtInstrumentRequiredIndebtednessToTotalCapitalRatio_636BFE9EB67051590A585191E3E992CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ale-20160930.xsd#ale_DebtInstrumentActualIndebtednessToTotalCapitalRatio" xlink:label="loc_ale_DebtInstrumentActualIndebtednessToTotalCapitalRatio_8B838EA3C0333DE241145191E3E914A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F2867DC5D2A0CB22ACC65191E3E91590" xlink:to="loc_ale_DebtInstrumentActualIndebtednessToTotalCapitalRatio_8B838EA3C0333DE241145191E3E914A3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.allete.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermDebtShortTermAndLongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</linkbase>
