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•	our ability to successfully implement our strategic objectives;

•	global and domestic economic conditions affecting us or our customers;

•	changes in and compliance with laws and regulations;

•	changes in tax rates or policies or in rates of inflation;

•	the outcome of legal and administrative proceedings (whether civil or criminal) and settlements;

•	weather conditions, natural disasters and pandemic diseases;

•	our ability to access capital markets and bank financing;

•	changes in interest rates and the performance of the financial markets;

•	project delays or changes in project costs;

•	changes in operating expenses and capital expenditures and our ability to raise revenues from our customers in regulated rates or sales price increases at our Energy Infrastructure and Related Services businesses;

•	the impacts of commodity prices on ALLETE and our customers;

•	our ability to attract and retain qualified, skilled and experienced personnel;

•	effects of emerging technology;

•	war, acts of terrorism and cybersecurity attacks;

•	our ability to manage expansion and integrate acquisitions;

•	population growth rates and demographic patterns;

•	wholesale power market conditions;

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federal and state regulatory and legislative actions that impact regulated utility economics, including our allowed rates of return, capital structure, ability to secure financing, industry and rate structure, acquisition and disposal of assets and facilities, operation and construction of plant facilities and utility infrastructure, recovery of purchased power, capital investments and other expenses, including present or prospective environmental matters;

•	effects of competition, including competition for retail and wholesale customers;

•	effects of restructuring initiatives in the electric industry;

•	the impacts on our Regulated Operations segment of climate change and future regulation to restrict the emissions of GHG;

•	effects of increased deployment of distributed low-carbon electricity generation resources;

•	the impacts of laws and regulations related to renewable and distributed generation;

•	pricing, availability and transportation of fuel and other commodities and the ability to recover the costs of such commodities;

•	our current and potential industrial and municipal customers’ ability to execute announced expansion plans;

•	real estate market conditions where our legacy Florida real estate investment is located may not improve;

•	the success of efforts to realize value from, invest in, and develop new opportunities in, our Energy Infrastructure and Related Services businesses;

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factors affecting our Energy Infrastructure and Related Services businesses, including fluctuations in the volume of customer orders, unanticipated cost increases, changes in legislation and regulations impacting the industries in which the customers served operate, the effects of weather, creditworthiness of customers, ability to obtain materials required to perform services, and changing market conditions; and

•	our ability to successfully close the announced sale of U.S. Water Services, including the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, which cannot be assured to be completed.

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(a)	Includes the sale of a wind energy facility to Montana-Dakota Utilities for $81.1 million in 2018.

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(a)	The contract will terminate four years from the date of written notice from either Minnesota Power or the customer. No notice of contract cancellation has been given by either party. Thus, the earliest date of cancellation is December 31, 2022.

(b)	USS Corporation owns both the Minntac Plant in Mountain Iron, MN, and the Keewatin Taconite Plant in Keewatin, MN.

(c)	The smaller of UPM Blandin’s two paper machines was closed in the fourth quarter of 2017. (See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Outlook – Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load.)

(d)	Minnesota Power amended and extended its electric service agreement with UPM Blandin through 2029, subject to MPUC approval.

(e)	Minnesota Power amended and extended its electric service agreement with Verso Corporation through 2024, which was approved by the MPUC at a hearing on December 20, 2018.

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(a)	Minnesota Power retired Boswell Units 1 and 2 in the fourth quarter of 2018. (See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Outlook – EnergyForward.)

(b)	Boswell Unit 4 net capability shown above reflects Minnesota Power’s ownership percentage of 80 percent. WPPI Energy owns 20 percent of Boswell Unit 4. (See Note 3. Jointly-Owned Facilities and Projects.)

(c)	Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2 were idled in 2016. (See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Outlook – EnergyForward.)

(d)	Hydro consists of 10 stations with 34 generating units.

(e)	Taconite Ridge consists of 10 WTGs and Bison consists of 165 WTGs.

(f)	Minnesota Power has a PSA with Minnkota Power whereby Minnesota Power is selling a portion of its entitlement from Square Butte to Minnkota Power. (See Electric Sales / Customers.)

(g)	Includes short-term market purchases in the MISO market and from Other Power Suppliers.

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(a)	The PSA expiration assumes the exercise of four one-year renewal options that ALLETE Clean Energy has the sole right to exercise.

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(a)	Acreage amounts are approximate and shown on a gross basis, including wetlands.

(b)	Units and square footage are estimated. Density at build out may differ from these estimates.

(c)	Includes retail and non-retail commercial, office, industrial, warehouse, storage and institutional square footage.

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(a)	The net generation is primarily dedicated to the needs of one customer, UPM Blandin in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. (See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Outlook – Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load.)

(b)	The fuel supply for Rapids Energy Center Units 6 and 7 is supplemented by coal, but in 2019, those units will operate on natural gas.

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(a)	On January 31, 2019, the Board of Directors of ALLETE appointed Bethany M. Owen as President of ALLETE.

(b)	On January 14, 2019, Mr. Mullen announced his plan to retire. As part of an orderly transition, it is expected that Mr. Mullen will remain with the Company until some time in the second quarter of 2019.

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•	severe or unexpected weather conditions and natural disasters;

•	seasonality;

•	changes in electricity usage;

•	transmission or transportation constraints, inoperability or inefficiencies;

•	availability of competitively priced alternative energy sources;

•	changes in supply and demand for energy;

•	changes in power production capacity;

•	outages at our generating facilities or those of our competitors;

•	availability of fuel transportation;

•	changes in production and storage levels of natural gas, lignite, coal, crude oil and refined products;

•	wars, sabotage, terrorist acts or other catastrophic events; and

•	federal, state, local and foreign energy, environmental, or other regulation and legislation.

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(a)	In 2015, operating revenue and operating expenses included $197.7 million and $162.9 million, respectively, for the sale of a wind energy facility by ALLETE Clean Energy to Montana-Dakota Utilities. In 2018, operating revenue and operating expenses included $81.1 million and $67.4 million, respectively, for the sale of a wind energy facility by ALLETE Clean Energy to Montana-Dakota Utilities.

(b)	The year ended December 31, 2017, includes the impact of the remeasurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulting from the TCJA. (See Note 13. Income Tax Expense.)

(c)	The non-controlling interest related to ALLETE Clean Energy’s Condon wind energy facility was acquired in 2016. (See Note 6. Acquisitions.)

(d)	Excludes unallocated ESOP shares in 2014.

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(a)	Results in 2017 include a $23.6 million after-tax benefit due to the remeasurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulting from the TCJA.

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(a)	Results in 2017 include a $9.2 million after-tax benefit due to the remeasurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulting from the TCJA.

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(a)	Results in 2017 include a $23.6 million after-tax benefit due to the remeasurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulting from the TCJA.

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(a)	Results in 2017 include a $9.2 million after-tax benefit due to the remeasurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulting from the TCJA.

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(a)	The PSA expiration assumes the exercise of four one-year renewal options that ALLETE Clean Energy has the sole right to exercise.

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(a)	Does not include $1.6 million of non-current unrecognized tax benefits due to uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash payments related to uncertain tax positions. (See Note 13. Income Tax Expense.)

(b)	Represents the estimated future benefit payments for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans through 2028.

(c)	Does not include the agreement with Manitoba Hydro expiring in 2022, as this contract is for surplus energy only; Oliver Wind I and Oliver Wind II, as Minnesota Power only pays for energy as it is delivered; and the agreement with Nobles 2 commencing in 2020 as it is subject to construction of a wind energy facility. (See Note 11. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)

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(a)	Not rated by S&P Global Ratings.

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(a)	Estimated capital expenditures eligible for cost recovery outside of a general rate case, including our portion of transmission capital expenditures related to construction of the GNTL, which are eligible for cost recovery outside of a general rate case. (See Item 1. Business – Regulated Operations – Transmission and Distribution.)

(b)	Our portion of estimated capital expenditures for construction of NTEC, a 525 MW to 550 MW combined-cycle natural gas-fired generating facility which will be jointly owned by Dairyland Power Cooperative and a subsidiary of ALLETE.

(c)	Capital expenditures in 2019 include construction of a 100 MW wind energy facility and an 80 MW wind energy facility that ALLETE Clean Energy will build, own and operate. These capital expenditures do not include the cost of safe harbor turbines purchased previously. (See Outlook – Energy Infrastructure and Related Services – ALLETE Clean Energy.)

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•	Directors. The information regarding directors will be included in the “Election of Directors” section;

•	Audit Committee Financial Expert. The information regarding the Audit Committee financial expert will be included in the “Corporate Governance” section and the “Audit Committee Report” section;

•	Audit Committee Members. The identity of the Audit Committee members will be included in the “Corporate Governance” section and the “Audit Committee Report” section;

•	Executive Officers. The information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this Form 10-K; and

•	Section 16(a) Compliance. The information regarding Section 16(a) compliance will be included in the “Ownership of ALLETE Common Stock – Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” section.

•	Corporate Governance Guidelines;

•	Audit Committee Charter;

•	Executive Compensation Committee Charter; and

•	Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter.

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(a)

Includes the following: (i) 73,532 securities representing the performance shares (including accrued dividends) granted under the executive long-term incentive compensation plan that vested but were not paid as of December 31, 2018; (ii) 82,190 securities representing the target number of performance share awards (including accrued dividends) granted under the executive long-term incentive compensation plan that were unvested as of December 31, 2018; and (iii) 74,702 director deferred stock units (including accrued dividends) under the non-employee director compensation deferral plan as of December 31, 2018. With respect to unvested performance share awards, the actual number of shares to be issued will vary from 0 percent to 200 percent of the target level depending upon the achievement of total shareholder return objectives established for such awards. For additional information about the performance shares, including payout calculations, see our 2019 Proxy Statement.

(b)	Earned performance share awards are paid in shares of ALLETE common stock on a one-for-one basis. Accordingly, these awards do not have a weighted-average exercise price.

(c)

Excludes the number of securities shown in the first column as to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights. The amount shown is comprised of: (i) 723,470 shares available for issuance under the executive long-term incentive compensation plan in the form of options, rights, restricted stock units, performance share awards, and other grants as approved by the Executive Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors; (ii) 55,204 shares available for issuance under the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan as payment for a portion of the annual retainer payable to non-employee Directors; and (iii) 113,330 shares available for issuance under the ALLETE and Affiliated Companies Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

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•	$38,995,000 original principal amount, of City of Cohasset, Minnesota, Variable Rate Demand Revenue Refunding Bonds (ALLETE, formerly Minnesota Power & Light Company, Project) Series 1997A ($13,500,000 remaining principal balance);

•	$27,800,000 of Collier County Industrial Development Authority, Industrial Development Variable Rate Demand Refunding Revenue Bonds Series 2006;

•	$6,370,000 of City of Superior, Wisconsin, Collateralized Utility Revenue Refunding Bonds Series 2007A; and

•	$6,130,000 of City of Superior, Wisconsin, Collateralized Utility Revenue Bonds Series 2007B.

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(a)	Reflects the impacts associated with the adoption of accounting standards concerning Financial Instruments, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and the Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. (See Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.)

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(a)

On February 28, 2018, Montana-Dakota Utilities exercised its option to purchase the Thunder Spirit II wind energy facility upon completion, resulting in a $46.3 million reclassification from Property, Plant and Equipment – Net to Inventories – Net for project costs incurred in the prior year. On the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the sale of the wind energy facility in the fourth quarter of 2018 resulted in Operating Activities – Inventories increasing by $46.3 million in 2018 due to the project costs incurred in the prior year.

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(a)	Fuel consists primarily of coal inventory at Minnesota Power.

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(a)	Contract Assets include payments made to customers as an incentive to execute or extend service agreements. The contract payments are being amortized over the term of the respective agreements as a reduction to revenue.

(b)	Finance Receivable reflects the remaining balance due from the ALLETE Properties sale of its Ormond Crossings project and Lake Swamp wetland mitigation bank.

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(a)	Contract Liabilities include deposits received as a result of entering into contracts with our customers prior to completing our performance obligations.

(b)	Contingent Consideration relates to the estimated fair value of the earnings-based payment resulting from the U.S. Water Services acquisition. (See Note 9. Fair Value.)

(a)	Contingent Consideration relates to the estimated fair value of the earnings-based payment resulting from the U.S. Water Services acquisition. (See Note 9. Fair Value.)

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(a)	See Goodwill and Intangible Assets.

(b)	See Note 9. Fair Value.

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•	We have a right to consideration from our customers in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to such customer for performance completed to date; therefore, we may recognize revenue in the amount to which we have a right to invoice.

•	We do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as at contract inception we expect that the period between when we transfer a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.

•	Where applicable, we adopted this guidance using the portfolio approach in which contracts that have similar characteristics were reviewed as a portfolio. The effects on the financial statements of applying this guidance to the portfolio would not differ materially from applying the guidance to each individual contract.

•	We recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that would otherwise have been recognized is one year or less.

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(a)	Primarily includes BNI Energy and a small amount of non-rate base generation.

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(a)	Current regulatory liabilities are presented within Other Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(b)

Defined benefit pension and other postretirement items included in our Regulated Operations, which are otherwise required to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as actuarial gains and losses as well as prior service costs and credits, are recognized as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The asset or liability will decrease as the deferred items are amortized and recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. (See Note 15. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.)

(c)	These costs represent the difference between deferred income taxes recognized for financial reporting purposes and amounts previously billed to our customers. The balances will primarily decrease over the remaining life of the related temporary differences and flow through current income taxes.

(d)	Asset retirement obligations will accrete and be amortized over the lives of the related property with asset retirement obligations.

(e)	The manufactured gas plant regulatory asset represents costs of remediation for a former manufactured gas plant site located in Superior, Wisconsin, and formerly operated by SWL&P. We expect recovery of these remediation costs to be allowed by the PSCW in rates over time.

(f)	The conservation improvement program regulatory asset represents CIP expenditures, any financial incentive earned for cost-effective program achievements and a carrying charge deferred for future cost recovery over the next year following MPUC approval.

(g)	The cost recovery rider regulatory liabilities are cash collections from our customers in excess of revenue recognized, primarily due to capital expenditures related to Bison, investment in CapX2020 projects, the Boswell Unit 4 environmental upgrade and the GNTL. The cost recovery rider regulatory liabilities as of December 31, 2018, will be returned within the next two years.

(h)	Wholesale and retail contra AFUDC represents amortization to offset AFUDC Equity and Debt recorded during the construction period of our cost recovery rider projects prior to placing the projects in service. The regulatory liability will decrease over the remaining depreciable life of the related asset.

(i)	This amount is expected to be refunded to Minnesota Power’s regulated retail customers in 2019 and includes $23.8 million of discounts provided to EITE customers as of December 31, 2018, that will be offset against interim rate refunds ($8.6 million as of December 31, 2017). (See 2016 Minnesota General Rate Case and Energy-Intensive Trade‑Exposed Customer Rates.)

(j)	Provision for tax reform refund is expected to be refunded to Minnesota Power customers in the first quarter of 2019 and SWL&P customers in 2019 and 2020. (See Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.)

(k)	North Dakota investment tax credits expected to be realized from Bison that will be credited to Minnesota Power’s regulated retail customers through future renewable cost recovery rider filings as the tax credits are utilized.

(l)	In December 2018, Minnesota Power retired Boswell Units 1 and 2 and reclassified the remaining net book value from property, plant and equipment to a regulatory asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The remaining net book value is currently included in Minnesota Power’s rate base and Minnesota Power is earning a return on the outstanding balance.

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(a)	Impact of the remeasurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulting from the TCJA.

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(b)	Recognized goodwill is attributable to the assembled workforce and anticipated synergies. For tax purposes, the purchase price allocation resulted in $4.1 million of deductible goodwill.

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(a)	Presented within Goodwill and Intangible Assets – Net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. (See Note 7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets.)

(b)	For tax purposes, the purchase price allocation resulted in no allocation to goodwill.

(a)	See Note 6. Acquisitions.

(b)	Finalization of purchase price accounting for U.S. Water Services’ acquisition of WEST was completed in 2017 and acquisition of Tonka Water was completed in 2018 resulting in adjustments in those periods to the goodwill recorded at the time of acquisition.

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(a)	Developed Technology and Other includes patents, non-compete agreements, land easements and trade names with finite lives.

(a)	As of December 31, 2018, the aggregate amount of available-for-sale corporate and governmental debt securities maturing in one year or less was $2.0 million, in one year to less than three years was $2.9 million, in three years to less than five years was $2.6 million, and in five or more years was $0.5 million.

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(a)	Included in Other Investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(b)	Included in Other Non-Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(c)	Included in Other Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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(a)	Included in Other Investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(b)	Included in Other Non-Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(a)	Included in Interest Expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

(b)	Payments reflect the impact of a modification to the shareholder agreement in the first quarter of 2017 which provided participants a one-time election to sell shares at a determined price. Participants representing approximately half of the outstanding contingent consideration shares made the election, and were paid in 2017.

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(a)	Consists of long-term service agreements for wind energy facilities.

(b)	Does not include the agreement with Manitoba Hydro expiring in 2022, as this contract is for surplus energy only; Oliver Wind I and Oliver Wind II, as Minnesota Power only pays for energy as it is delivered; and the agreement with Nobles 2 commencing in 2020 as it is subject to construction of a wind energy facility. (See Power Purchase Agreements.)

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(a)	The PPA provides for the purchase of all output from the 10 MW Blanchard solar energy facility to be located in central Minnesota. Construction of the Blanchard solar energy facility is expected to be completed in 2020 and the contract is effective for 25 years beginning upon commercial operation.

(b)	The capacity price is fixed and the energy price is based on a formula that includes an annual fixed price component adjusted for changes in a natural gas index, as well as market prices.

(c)	The energy purchased consists primarily of surplus hydro energy on Manitoba Hydro's system and is delivered on a non-firm basis. Minnesota Power will purchase at least one million MWh of energy over the contract term.

(d)	The capacity and energy prices are adjusted annually by the change in a governmental inflationary index.

(e)	Agreements are subject to the construction of the GNTL and MMTP. (See Great Northern Transmission Line.)

(f)	The capacity price is adjusted annually until 2020 by the change in a governmental inflationary index. The energy price is based on a formula that includes an annual fixed component adjusted for the change in a governmental inflationary index and a natural gas index, as well as market prices.

(g)	The contract term will be the 20-year period beginning on the in-service date for the GNTL. (See Great Northern Transmission Line.)

(h)	The agreement includes a fixed capacity charge and energy prices that escalate at a fixed rate annually over the term.

(i)	The PPA provides for the purchase of all output from a 250 MW wind energy facility to be constructed in southwest Minnesota for 20 years beginning upon commercial operation of the wind energy facility which is currently expected in fourth quarter of 2020. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters and Note 5. Equity Investments.)

(j)	The PPAs provide for the purchase of all output from the 50 MW Oliver Wind I and 48 MW Oliver Wind II wind energy facilities.

(k)	Minnesota Power is purchasing 50 MW of energy during off-peak hours and 100 MW of energy during on-peak hours.

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(a)	The capacity charge is based on a fixed monthly schedule with a minimum annual escalation provision. The energy charge is based on a fixed monthly schedule and provides for annual escalation based on the cost of fuel. The agreement also allows Minnesota Power to recover a pro rata share of increased costs related to emissions that occur during the last five years of the contract.

(b)	The agreement provides for 75 MW of capacity from June 1, 2022, through May 31, 2023, and increases to 125 MW of capacity from June 1, 2023, through May 31, 2025.

(c)

Minnesota Power is selling a portion of its entitlement from Square Butte to Minnkota Power, resulting in Minnkota Power’s net entitlement increasing and Minnesota Power’s net entitlement decreasing until Minnesota Power’s share is eliminated at the end of 2025. Of Minnesota Power’s 50 percent output entitlement, it sold to Minnkota Power approximately 28 percent in 2018 (28 percent in 2017 and in 2016). (See Square Butte PPA.)

(d)

Silver Bay Power supplies approximately 90 MW of load to Northshore Mining, an affiliate of Silver Bay Power, which has been served predominately through self-generation by Silver Bay Power. Through 2019, Minnesota Power will supply Silver Bay Power with at least 50 MW of energy and Silver Bay Power has the option to purchase additional energy. By December 31, 2019, Silver Bay Power is expected to cease self-generation and Minnesota Power is expected to supply the energy requirements for Silver Bay Power.

(e)	The energy pricing is fixed through 2019 with pricing in later years escalating at a fixed rate annually and adjusted for changes in a natural gas index.

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•	Expanding renewable power supply for both our operations and the operations of others;

•	Providing energy conservation initiatives for our customers and engaging in other demand side management efforts;

•	Improving efficiency of our generating facilities;

•	Supporting research of technologies to reduce carbon emissions from generating facilities and carbon sequestration efforts;

•	Evaluating and developing less carbon intensive future generating assets such as efficient and flexible natural gas‑fired generating facilities;

•	Managing vegetation on right-of-way corridors to reduce potential wildfire or storm damage risks; and

•	Practicing sound forestry management in our service territories to create landscapes more resilient to disruption from climate-related changes, including planting and managing long-lived conifer species.

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(a)

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the federal and state current tax expense was minimal due to NOLs which resulted from the bonus depreciation provisions of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. Federal and state NOLs are being carried forward to offset current and future taxable income.

(b)	For the year ended December 31, 2018, the federal tax benefit is primarily due to production tax credits, and the reduction of the federal statutory tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent enacted as part of the TCJA.

(c)	For the year ended December 31, 2017, the federal deferred income tax benefit is due to the remeasurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulting from the TCJA.

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(a)	Excess deferred income taxes are being returned to customers under both the Average Rate Assumption Method and amortization periods as approved by regulators. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.)

(b)	Deferred income tax benefit from the remeasurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulting from the TCJA.

(a)	Recorded as a net long-term Deferred Income Tax liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet

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(a)	Pre-tax amounts.

(b)	Net of a $66.0 million valuation allowance as of December 31, 2018 ($59.5 million as of December 31, 2017).

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(a)	Includes Participant Contributions noted above.

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(a)	These components of net periodic pension cost are included in the line item “Other” under Other Income (Expense) on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

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(a)	Excludes gains, losses and contributions associated with irrevocable grantor trusts.

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(a)	These components of net periodic postretirement health and life cost are included in the line item “Other” under Other Income (Expense) on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

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(a)	Includes VEBAs and irrevocable grantor trusts.

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(a)	Includes VEBAs and irrevocable grantor trusts.

(a)	The underlying investments consist of actively-managed funds managed to achieve the returns of certain U.S. equity securities large‑cap, mid-cap and small-cap indexes.

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(a)	The underlying investments consist of actively-managed funds managed to achieve the returns of certain U.S. equity securities large‑cap, mid-cap and small-cap indexes.

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(a)	The underlying investments consist of mutual funds (Level 1).

(a)	The underlying investments consist of mutual funds (Level 1).

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(a)	With the adoption of new revenue recognition guidance, the Company has enhanced the presentation of business segment Operating Revenue. (See Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.)

(c)	Includes interest expense resulting from intercompany loan agreements and allocated to certain subsidiaries. The amounts are eliminated in consolidation.

(d)	Net income in 2018 includes the recognition of profit for the sale of a wind energy facility to Montana-Dakota Utilities.

(e)	Net income in 2017 included a $7.9 million after-tax favorable impact for the regulatory outcome of the MPUC’s modification of tits November 2016 order on the allocation of North Dakota investment tax credits. Net income in 2016 included an $8.8 million after-tax adverse impact for the regulatory outcome of the November 2016 order.

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(a)	See Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.

(b)	Includes interest expense resulting from intercompany loan agreements and allocated to certain subsidiaries. The amounts are eliminated in consolidation.

(c)

Income tax expense in 2017 included an income tax benefit of $13.0 million due to the remeasurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulting from the TCJA, which consisted of income tax benefits of $23.6 million for ALLETE Clean Energy and $9.2 million for U.S. Water Services as well as additional income tax expense of $19.8 million for Corporate and Other. The TCJA did not have an impact on income tax expense for our Regulated Operations as the remeasurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities primarily resulted in the recording of regulatory assets and liabilities. (See Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies and Note 4. Regulatory Matters.)

(d)

In 2017, Regulated Operations includes $14.0 million of income tax expense related to North Dakota investment tax credits transferred to Corporate and Other and higher pre-tax income for the favorable impact for the regulatory outcome of the MPUC’s modification of its November 2016 order on the allocation of North Dakota investment tax credits. There was no impact to net income for Regulated Operations. Corporate and Other recorded an offsetting income tax benefit of $7.9 million in 2017. In 2016, Regulated Operations includes $15.0 million of income tax benefit for North Dakota investment tax credits transferred from Corporate and Other and lower pre-tax income related to the adverse impact for the regulatory outcome of the November 2016 MPUC order. There was no impact to net income for Regulated Operations. Corporate and Other recorded an offsetting income tax expense of $8.8 million in 2016. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.)

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1.	Assignor:    __________

2.	Assignee:             [and is an Affiliate of Assignor]

3.	Borrower:    ALLETE, Inc.

4.	Administrative Agent: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

5.	Credit Agreement: Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 10, 2019 among the Borrower, the Lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent.

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7.	Trade Date: ______________ 20__.9

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1.1

Establishment. This document includes the terms of the ALLETE and Affiliated Companies Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan II. The purpose of SERP II is to provide eligible Employees an opportunity to elect to defer compensation. SERP II also provides eligible Employees a supplemental Retirement Benefit designed to compensate for annual compensation limits and maximum benefit limitations imposed by the Code on Retirement Plans maintained by the Company.

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1.2	Compensation Recovery Policy. All amounts payable to Participants in accordance with this Plan are subject to, and the Company hereby incorporates into this SERP II, the terms of any compensation recovery policy or policies established and amended by the Company from time to time (“Compensation Recovery Policy”).

2.1	Section 409A Plans.

2.1.1	An elective account balance plan for Employees for purposes of Elective Deferrals;

2.1.2	A non-elective account balance plan for Employees for purposes of Non-Elective Deferrals; and

2.1.3	A non-account balance plan for Employees.

2.2	Organization.

2.2.1	The provisions of Article 5 apply only for purposes of identifying employees eligible to receive an Annual Make-Up Award and the amount of the award, if any.

2.2.2	The provisions of Articles 6 and 7 apply only to the extent that SERP II provides for Employees’ Elective Deferrals, or Non-Elective Deferrals or both, which, for purposes of Section 409A, represent the elective and non-elective account balance plans identified in subsections 2.1.1 and 2.1.2, respectively.

2.2.3	The provisions of Article 8 apply only to the extent that SERP II provides for Retirement Benefits, which represent the non-account balance plan identified in subsection 2.1.3.

2.3	Section 409A Compliance.

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3.1	Administrator.

3.2	Duties.

3.3	Agents.

3.4	Binding Effect of Decisions.

3.5	Employer Information.

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4.1	Eligibility and Commencement of Participation.

4.2	Special Rule for Initial Participation.

4.3	Termination of Participation.

5.1	Eligibility.

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5.2	Amount of Annual Make-Up Award.

5.3

Commencing with the Plan Year that begins on January 1, 2019, the Annual Make-Up Award shall equal the product of 13% and an amount equal to the sum of: (a) the total of the Participant’s Annual Incentive Award and other awards (to the extent included in calculations for the Retirement Plans) for such year, and (b) the Participant’s Salary (determined as of October 1 of the prior Plan Year) in excess of the Code section 401(a)(17) limitation in effect for that Plan Year. Payment.

5.4

Forfeiture of Annual Make-Up Award. Notwithstanding any other term or provision of this Article 5, if a Participant engages in Misconduct, the Participant shall forfeit or repay, as necessary, any Annual Make-Up Award payable on account of the period during which the Misconduct occurred and any subsequent period. In addition, notwithstanding any other term or provison of this Article 5, if a Partipant has a Separation from Service that is not also a Retirement, the Participant shall forfeit any Annual Make-Up Award that has not yet been paid to the Participant.

6.1	Elective Deferrals.

6.1.1	Eligibility. Beginning with the Plan year that commences on January 1, 2019, only employees in ALLETE management salary grade SG-SM will be eligible to elect to make elective deferrals in accordance with this Article 6.

6.1.2

Deferral Elections. For each Plan Year, an eligible Participant may elect to defer some or all of Salary, Bonus, and, if eligible, an Annual Make-up Award, Severance Pay, and Other Awards. Elections are effective on a calendar year basis and become irrevocable no later than the date specified by the Administrator, but in any event before the beginning of the Plan Year to which the elections relate. An eligible Participant’s elections will become effective only if the forms required by the Administrator have been properly completed and signed by the Participant, timely delivered to the Administrator, and accepted by the Administrator. An eligible Participant who fails to file elections before the required date will be treated as having elected not to defer any amounts for the following Plan Year. For any Plan Year the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, decide not to allow one or more Participants to defer certain types of compensation.

6.1.3

Special Rule for Performance-Based Compensation. The Administrator, in its complete and sole discretion, may allow a Participant to revise a deferral election with respect to a Bonus if the Administrator determines that the Bonus is performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 409A and the election becomes irrevocable no later than the earlier of: (a) six months preceding the end of the performance period to which the Bonus relates; or (b) the date as of which the Bonus has become readily ascertainable, within the meaning of Section 409A.

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6.1.4	Special Rule for Severance Pay. An eligible Participant may elect to defer all or a portion of Severance Pay by filing with the Administrator an irrevocable deferral election no later than the date the Participant obtains a legally binding right to the Severance Pay.

6.1.5

Cancellation of Deferral Election due to Disability. If an eligible Participant becomes disabled, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, cancel the Participant’s deferral election, with respect to amounts to be deferred on or after the cancellation, by the end of the year during which the Participant becomes disabled, or, if later, the 15th day of the third month following the date on which the Participant becomes disabled. For purposes of this Section, a Participant shall be disabled if the Participant is suffering from any medically determinable physical or mental impairment resulting in the Participant’s inability to perform the duties of his position or any substantially similar position, if such impairment can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of six months.

6.1.6

Cancellation of Deferral Election due to Unforeseeable Emergency. If an eligible Participant experiences an Unforeseeable Emergency during a Plan Year, the Participant may submit to the Administrator a written request to cancel Elective Deferrals for the Plan Year to satisfy the Unforeseeable Emergency. If the Administrator either approves the Participant’s request to cancel Elective Deferrals for the Plan Year, or approves a request for a distribution of in accordance with Section 6.4.6, then effective as of the date the request is approved the Administrator shall cancel the Participant’s deferral elections for the remainder of the Plan Year. A Participant whose Elective Deferrals are canceled during a Plan Year in accordance with this section may elect Elective Deferrals for the following Plan Year; provided, however, if required to comply with Treasury Regulations section 1.401(k)-1(d)(3), the Participant may not elect to defer any amounts attributable to periods less than six months from the date on which the Participant receives a distribution on account of an Unforeseeable Emergency.

6.1.7

Withholding of Deferrals. The Administrator will withhold Elective Deferrals not later than the end of the calendar year during which the Company would otherwise have paid the amounts to the Participant but for the Participant’s deferral election. The Administrator will not withhold Elective Deferrals from a Participant’s Salary during any period in which the Participant is on an unpaid leave of absence.

6.2	Non-Elective Deferrals. If the Administrator determines that an eligible Participant’s Salary exceeds the Code section 401(a)(17) limit, the Administrator shall automatically credit the Participant’s Annual Make-up Award to the Participant’s Account

6.3	FICA and Other Taxes.

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6.4	Distributions.

6.4.1

Specified Year. A Participant may elect to receive a distribution of Elective Deferrals in a Specified Year, which may be no earlier than the third Plan Year beginning after the date on which the Participant initially elects to receive a distribution in a Specified Year. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection or in Section 6.6, once a Participant has elected to receive a distribution in a Specified Year, the Participant may not elect to receive a distribution in a different Specified Year. Beginning during the year preceding any Specified Year previously elected by the Participant, the Participant may elect to receive a distribution of Elective Deferrals in a later Specified Year, subject, however, to the restrictions of this subsection. All amounts distributed in a Specified Year will be paid in a single lump sum.

6.4.2

Separation from Service. A Participant may elect to receive a distribution commencing either upon a Separation from Service, or during any of the first five years following the year of the Separation from Service. A Participant may elect to receive a distribution in the form of a lump sum, monthly installments over a period of five (5), ten (10), or fifteen (15) years, or a combination of both a lump sum and installments.

6.4.3

Disability. A Participant may elect to receive a distribution on account of Disability. Distributions upon Disability will commence on the earlier of the Participant’s 65th birthday or the second anniversary of the Disability, unless changed in accordance with Section 6.6. A Participant may elect to receive the distribution in the form of a lump sum, monthly installments over a period of five (5), ten (10), or fifteen (15) years, or a combination of both a lump sum and installments. Notwithstanding any other election by a Participant relating to a distribution upon Disability, if a Participant dies after commencement of a Disability but before the year during which distributions would commence, the Participant’s Account shall be distributed in accordance with the Participant’s election regarding distributions upon death.

6.4.4	Death. A Participant may elect to receive a distribution commencing upon death or during any of the first five years following the year of death. A Participant may elect to receive a distribution in the form of a lump sum, monthly installments over a period of five (5), ten (10), or fifteen (15) years, or a combination of both a lump sum and installments.

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6.4.5

Unforeseeable Emergency. A Participant may submit a written request for a distribution on account of an Unforeseeable Emergency. Upon approval by the Administrator of a Participant’s request, the Participant’s Account, or that portion of a Participant’s Account deemed necessary by the Administrator to satisfy the Unforeseeable Emergency (determined in a manner consistent with Section 409A) plus amounts necessary to pay taxes reasonably anticipated because of the distribution, will be distributed in a single lump sum.

6.5	Additional Distribution Rules.

6.5.1	Default Time and Form of Distribution. If a Participant fails timely to elect a time and form of distribution, the Participant’s Account will be distributed upon any Separation from Service, including death, in the form of a single lump sum payment.

6.5.2

Commencement of Distributions. Except as otherwise provided in this section, if a Participant has elected to receive a distribution commencing upon a Distribution Event, or if a distribution is required upon a Distribution Event, distribution will commence between the date of the Distribution Event and the end of the year in which the Distribution Event occurs. If a Participant has elected, or is required, to receive a distribution commencing upon a Distribution Event, and the Distribution Event occurs on or after October 1 of a Plan Year, the distribution may, to the extent permitted by Section 409A, commence after the Distribution Event and on or before the 15th day of the third calendar month following the Distribution Event, even if after the end of the year during which the Distribution Event occurs; provided, however, the Participant will not be permitted, directly or indirectly, to designate the taxable year of the distribution. If a Participant has elected to receive a distribution commencing during any of the first five years following the year of a Distribution Event, the distribution will commence during the year elected by the Participant. If a Participant has elected to receive a distribution in a Specified Year, the distribution will occur during the Specified Year. Any distribution that complies with this section shall be deemed for all purposes to comply with the Plan requirements regarding the time and form of distributions.

6.5.3

Installments. If a Participant elects to receive distributions in monthly installments, the Participant’s Account will be paid in substantially equal monthly installments in consecutive years over the period elected by the Participant. Each monthly installment will be paid during the Plan Year in which it is due, commencing as described in Section 6.5.2. During the Plan Year in which distributions commence, the Participant will receive one installment for each calendar month beginning after the date of the Distribution Event, or, if the Participant has elected to receive a distribution commencing during any of the first five years following the year of a Distribution Event, one monthly installment for each calendar month beginning after the anniversary date of the Distribution Event. For deferrals made in connection with any Plan Year that commenced on or before January 1, 2018, during the distribution period, the Participant’s Account will be credited with interest compounded monthly at a rate of 7.5% per year. For deferrals made in connection with any Plan Year that commences on or after January 1, 2019, the Participant’s Account will be credited or debited with notional gains and losses based on the investment funds selected by the Participant, from among the options provided by the Company, until all amounts credited have been distributed. Any installment distribution that complies with this section shall be deemed for all purposes to comply with the Plan requirements regarding the time and form of distributions.

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6.5.4	Death After Commencement of Distributions. Upon the death of a Participant after distributions of the Participant’s Account have commenced, the balance of the Participant’s Account will be distributed to the Participant’s Beneficiary at the same times and in the same forms that the Account would have been distributed to the Participant if the Participant had survived.

6.5.5

Distributions to Specified Employees. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, if a Participant becomes entitled to a distribution on account of a Separation from Service and is a Specified Employee on the date of the Separation from Service, distributions shall not commence until the earlier of: (i) the expiration of the six-month period beginning on the date of Participant’s Separation from Service, or (ii) the date of Participant’s death. Payments to which a Specified Employee would otherwise be entitled during this six-month period shall be accumulated and paid, together with earnings that have accrued during this six-month delay, during the seventh month following the date of the Participant’s Separation from Service, or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death.

6.5.6

Effect of Change in Control. Notwithstanding a Participant’s elections regarding distributions upon a Separation from Service and a distribution in a Specified Year, if (a) the Participant has a Separation from Service within two years following a Change in Control or (b) a Change in Control occurs within six months after the Participant has a Separation from Service, the Participant shall receive a distribution of the Participant’s entire Account in a single lump sum upon the later of the Separation from Service or the Change in Control, whether or not distributions have already commenced.

6.6	Subsequent Changes in Time and Form of Distributions.

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7.1	Establishment of Accounts.

7.2	Timing of Credits to Accounts.

7.3	Vesting.

7.4	Investments.

7.5	Valuation Date.

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8.1	Eligibility.

8.2	Vesting; Forfeiture of Unvested Retirement Benefit.

8.3	Retirement Benefit.

8.3.1

Final Average Earnings. Final Average Earnings include the sum of: (i) the Participant’s four highest consecutive Annual Incentive Awards and Other Awards within the “applicable 15-year period,” and (ii) the Participant’s highest Basic Compensation during any consecutive 48-month period within the “applicable 15-year period” to the extent that Basic Compensation exceeds the limitation on compensation imposed by Code section 401(a)(17). Compensation in excess of the limitation on compensation imposed by Code section 401(a)(17) shall be determined by using the limit in effect on the first day of the 48-month period described in (i) and the next three anniversaries of that date. With respect to a Participant who becomes entitled to a distribution upon Retirement, the “applicable 15-year period” shall be the fifteen (15) years preceding the date of Retirement. With respect to a Participant who becomes entitled to a distribution because of Disability, the “applicable 15-year period” shall be the 15-year period that: (i) ends no earlier than the Participant’s Disability and no later than the Participant’s sixty-fifth (65th) birthday; and (ii) would result in the greatest Retirement Benefit.

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8.3.2

Years of Credited Service. A Participant will receive credit for years of Credited Service after September 30, 2006, only to the extent that: (i) the Participant has been continuously employed since that date by a Related Company in management salary grades SA - SM; and (ii) distributions of Retirement Benefits have not commenced. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Participant will receive credit for years of Credited Service after December 31, 2018.

8.4

Forfeiture of Vested Retirement Benefit for Misconduct. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Article 8, a Participant will forfeit any vested Retirement Benefit attributable to any year during which the Participant engaged in Misconduct and any subsequent period. For purposes of calculating the Retirement Benefit of any Participant who engaged in Misconduct, the Participant’s Final Average Earnings and Years of Credited Service will exclude the period during which the Participant engaged in Misconduct and any subsequent period.

8.5	Time and Form of Distributions. Subject to the provisions of Section 8.6, a Participant will become entitled to a distribution of vested Retirement Benefits, in the form determined by this section, upon the earlier of: (i) Retirement; (ii) Disability; or (iii) solely with respect to a Participant who vests after becoming Disabled, the earlier of death or attainment of age 65.

8.5.1

Election of Alternative Forms of Distribution. A Participant may elect to receive the Retirement Benefit in one of the following forms, each of which shall be actuarially equivalent: (i) monthly installments over a 15-year period, (ii) a monthly life annuity, (iii) a lump sum payment; or (iv) a combination of a lump sum and either (i) or (ii). Actuarially equivalence will be calculated using actuarial factors adopted by the Administrator from time to time. Effective as of December 31, 2008, Participant elections regarding the form of distribution are irrevocable and will remain in effect until the Retirement Benefits are paid in full unless a Participant elects to change the time and form of payment in accordance with Section 8.7.

8.5.2	Default Form of Payment. If a Participant fails to elect a form of payment with respect to the Participant’s Retirement Benefit before December 31, 2008, the Retirement Benefit will be paid in the form of monthly installments over a 15-year period unless the Participant elects to change the time and form of payment in accordance with Section 8.7.

8.6.1

Commencement of Distributions. Distributions on account of a Distribution Event other than Disability will commence between the date of the Distribution Event and the end of the year in which the Distribution Event occurs. If a Distribution Event other than Disability occurs on or after October 1 of a Plan Year, the distribution may, to the extent permitted by Section 409A, commence after the Distribution Event and on or before the 15th day of the third calendar month following the Distribution Event, even if after the end of the year during which the Distribution Event occurs; provided, however, the Participant will not be permitted, directly or indirectly, to designate the taxable year of the distribution. Any distribution that complies with this section shall be deemed for all purposes to comply with the Plan requirements regarding the time and form of distributions.

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8.6.2

Distributions to Specified Employees. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, if a Participant becomes entitled to a distribution on account of a Retirement and is a Specified Employee on the date of the Retirement, distributions shall not commence until the earlier of: (i) the expiration of the six-month period beginning on the date of Participant’s Retirement, or (ii) the date of the Participant’s death. Payments to which a Specified Employee would otherwise be entitled during this six-month period shall be accumulated and paid, together with earnings (calculated using the interest rate adopted by the Administrator for determining actuarial equivalence) that have accrued during this six-month delay, during the seventh month following the date of the Participant’s Retirement, or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death.

8.6.3	Disability. Unless subsequently changed in accordance with the Plan, distributions on account of Disability will commence on the earlier of the Participant’s 65th birthday or the second anniversary of the Disability.

8.6.4

Annuity Payments and Installments. If a Participant elects to receive all or a portion of the distributions in monthly installments, that portion to be paid in installments will be paid in substantially equal monthly installments in consecutive months over a 15-year period. If a Participant elects to receive all or a portion of the distributions in the form of a life annuity, that portion to be paid as a life annuity will be paid in monthly installments in consecutive months for the remainder of the Participant’s life, in the case of a unmarried Participant, and in the case of a married Participant over the lives of the Participant and the Participant’s Eligible Surviving Spouse. Each monthly installment or life annuity payment will be paid during the Plan Year in which it is due, commencing as described in Section 8.6.1. During the Plan Year in which distributions commence, the Participant will receive one installment or life annuity payment for each calendar month beginning after the date of the Distribution Event. If the Participant has elected to be paid in installments, during the distribution period the portion of the Participant’s Account to be paid in installments will be credited with interest compounded monthly at the interest rate used by the Administrator to determine actuarial equivalence. Any distribution that complies with this section shall be deemed for all purposes to comply with the Plan requirements regarding the time and form of distributions.

8.6.5

Death After Commencement of Benefits. Upon the death of a Participant after distributions of the Participant’s Retirement Benefit have commenced, the remainder of the Participant’s Retirement Benefit will continue to be distributed to the Participant’s Beneficiary at the same time and in the same form as the benefit would have been distributed to the Participant had the Participant survived, except to the extent that the Participant had elected a life annuity: (i) if the Participant has an Eligible Surviving Spouse on the date of death, the surviving spouse will receive 60% of the Participant’s life annuity benefit for the remainder of the spouse’s life and (ii) if the Participant does not have an Eligible Surviving Spouse, the annuity will cease as of the first day of the month following the month during which the Participant died.

8.6.6

Effect of Change of Control. With respect to any Participant whose Retirement Benefit distributions have commenced, or would commence, upon a Separation from Service, if (a) the Participant’s Separation from Service occurs within two years following a Change in Control or (b) a Change in Control occurs within six months after the Participant’s Separation from Service, then notwithstanding the Participant’s elections regarding distributions upon a Separation from Service, the Participant shall receive a distribution of the Participant’s entire remaining vested Retirement Benefit in a single lump sum upon the later of the Separation

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9.1	Permitted Accelerations of Payment.

9.1.1

Distribution in the Event of Taxation. If, for any reason, all or any portion of any benefit provided by the Plan becomes taxable to a Participant because of a violation of Section 409A prior to receipt, the Participant may file a written request with the Administrator for a distribution of that portion of the Plan benefit that has become taxable. Upon the grant of such a request, which grant shall not be unreasonably withheld, the Participant shall receive a distribution equal to the taxable portion of the Plan benefit. If the request is granted, the tax liability distribution shall be paid between the date on which the Participant’s request is approved and the end of the Plan Year during which the approval occurred, or if later, the 15th day of the third calendar month following the date on which the Participant’s request is approved.

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9.1.2	Compliance with Ethics Laws or Conflicts of Interests Laws. The Administrator is authorized, in its sole discretion, to accelerate the time or schedule of a payment to the extent necessary to avoid the violation of any applicable federal, state, local, or foreign ethics law or conflicts of interest law as provided in Section 409A.

9.1.3

Small Accounts. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, distribute in a single lump sum the aggregate amounts of Deferrals or Elective Deferrals or both credited to the Participant’s Account, along with any related earnings, provided: (i) the distribution results in the payment of the Participant’s entire interest in the Account and all Aggregated Plans, and (ii) the total payment does not exceed the applicable dollar limit under Code section 402(g)(1)(B). The Administrator shall notify the Participant in writing if the Administrator exercises its discretion pursuant to this Section.

9.1.4

Settlement of a Bona Fide Dispute. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the time or schedule of a distribution as part of a settlement of a bona fide dispute between the Participant and the Employer over the Participant’s right to a distribution provided that the distribution relates only to the deferred compensation in dispute and the Employer is not experiencing a downturn in financial health.

9.1.5	Settlement of Debt. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the time or schedule of a payment to satisfy an ordinary debt owed by the Participant to the Employer at the time the debt becomes due as provided in Section 409A.

9.2	Permissible Payment Delays.

9.2.1	If the distribution would jeopardize the Employer’s ability to continue as a going concern, provided that the delayed amount is distributed in the first calendar year in which the payment would not have such effect.

9.2.2	If the Company reasonably anticipates that its deduction with respect to a distribution, if paid as scheduled, could be limited or barred by the application of Code section 162(m), provided the delayed amount is distributed in the first calendar year in which the Company reasonably anticipates that the deduction would not be limited or barred by the application of Code section 162(m).

9.2.3	If the distribution would violate Federal securities or other applicable laws, provided that the delayed amount is distributed at the earliest date at which the Administrator reasonably anticipates that the distribution will not cause such violation.

9.2.4	If calculation of the distribution is not administratively practicable due to events beyond the control of the Participant, provided that the delayed amount is distributed in the first calendar year in which the calculation of the distribution is administratively practicable.

9.3	Suspension Not Allowed.

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10.1	Beneficiary.

10.2	No Beneficiary Designation.

11.1	Presentation of Claim.

11.2	Notification of Decision.

11.2.1	That the claim has been allowed in full; or

11.2.2	That the claim has been denied, in whole or in part, and such notice must set forth in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant:

(a)	The specific reason(s) for the denial of the claim, or any part of it;

(b)	Specific reference(s) to pertinent provisions of the Plan upon which such denial was based;

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(c)	A description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect the claim, and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and

(d)	An explanation of the claim review procedures and time limits, including a statement of the Claimant’s right to initiate a civil action pursuant to section 502(a) of ERISA following an adverse determination upon review.

11.2.3	If the Administrator determines that an extension of time for processing is required, written notice of the extension shall be furnished to the Claimant prior to termination of the original 90-day period. In no event shall such extension exceed 90 days from the end of such initial period.

11.2.4	In the case of a claim for disability benefits, the Administrator shall notify the Claimant, in accordance with subsection 11.2.2 above, within 45 days after the claim is received. The notification shall advise the Claimant whether the Administrator’s denial relied upon any specific rule, guideline, protocol or scientific or clinical judgment.

11.2.5

In the case of a claim for disability benefits, if the Administrator determines that an extension of time for processing is required due to matters beyond the control of the Plan, written notice of the extension shall be furnished to the Claimant prior to termination of the original 45-day period. Such extension shall not exceed 30 days from the end of the initial period. If, prior to the end of the first 30-day extension period, the Administrator determines that, due to matters beyond the control of the Plan, an additional extension of time for processing is required, written notice of a second 30-day extension shall be furnished to the Claimant prior to termination of the first 30-day extension.

11.3	Review of a Denied Claim.

11.3.1	May request reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claim, which shall be provided to Claimant free of charge; and

11.3.2	May submit written comments or other documents.

11.4	Decision on Review.

11.4.1	That the claim has been allowed in full; or

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11.4.2	That the claim has been denied, in whole or in part, and such notice must set forth:

(a)	Specific reasons for the decision;

(b)	Specific reference(s) to the pertinent Plan provisions upon which the decision was based;

(c)	A statement that Claimant is entitled to reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records or other information relevant to the claim upon request and free of charge;

(d)	A statement regarding the Claimant’s right to initiate an action pursuant to section 502(a) of ERISA; and

(e)	Such other matters as the Administrator deems relevant.

11.4.3	In the case of a claim for disability benefits, the notice shall set forth:

(a)	Whether the Administrator’s denial relied upon any specific rule, guideline, protocol or scientific or clinical judgment; and

(b)	The following statement: “You and your Plan may have other voluntary alternative dispute resolution options, such as mediation. One way to find out what may be available is to contact your local U.S. Department of Labor Office and your State insurance regulatory agency.”

11.5	Other Remedies.

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13.1	Unsecured General Creditor.

13.2	Employer’s Liability.

13.3	Nonassignability.

13.4	No Right to Employment.

13.5	Incompetency.

13.6	Tax Withholding.

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13.7	Furnishing Information.

13.8	Notice.

13.9	Gender and Number.

13.10	Headings.

13.11	Applicable Law and Construction.

13.12	Invalid or Unenforceable Provisions.

13.13	Successors.

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(i)

the date any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a group (as the term “group” is used in Treasury Regulations section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B)), acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock previously held by the acquirer, constitutes more than fifty (50%) percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of Company stock. If any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a group, is considered to own more than fifty (50%) percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of Company stock, the acquisition of additional stock by the same Person or Persons acting as a group does not cause a Change in Control. An increase in the percentage of stock owned by any one Person, or Persons acting as a group, as a result of a transaction in which Company acquires its stock in exchange for property, is treated as an acquisition of stock;

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(ii)

(b) the date any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a group (as the term “group” is used in Treasury Regulations section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B)), acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by that Person or Persons) ownership of Company stock possessing at least thirty (30%) percent of the total voting power of Company stock;

(iii)	(c) the date a majority of the members of the Company’s board of directors is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the board of directors prior to the date of appointment or election; or

(iv)

(d) the date any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a group (as the term “group” is used in Treasury Regulations section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B)), acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by that Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to at least forty (40%) percent of the total gross fair market value of all the Company’s assets immediately prior to the acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, “gross fair market value” means the value of the corporation’s assets, or the value of the assets being disposed of, without regard to any liabilities associated with these assets.

(i)	unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months;

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(ii)	by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Employer’s accident and health plan;

(iii)	determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration; or

(iv)	disabled pursuant to an Employer-sponsored disability insurance arrangement provided that the definition of disability applied under such disability insurance program complies with the foregoing definition of Disability.

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a)	Time Limits. A Claimant seeking arbitration of any determination by the Claims Administrator must, within six (6) months of the date of the Claims Administrator’s final decision, file a demand for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association submitting the Claim to resolution by arbitration. A Claimant waives any claim not filed timely in accordance with this Section.

b)	Rules Applicable to Arbitration. The arbitration process shall be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Law Rules of the American Arbitration Association.

c)	Venue. The arbitration shall be conducted in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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d)

Binding Effect. The decision of the arbitrator with respect to the claim will be final and binding upon the Company and the Claimant. BY PARTICIPATING IN THE PLAN, AND ACCEPTING THE GRANT, YOU, ON BEHALF OF YOURSELF AND ANY PERSON WITH A CLAIM RELATING TO YOUR GRANT, AGREE TO WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO SUE IN COURT OR TO PURSUE ANY OTHER LEGAL RIGHT OR REMEDY THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE AVAILABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE RESOLUTION OF THE CLAIM.

e)	Enforceability. Judgment upon any award entered by an arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction over the parties.

f)

Waiver of Class, Collective, and Representative Actions.  Any claim shall be heard without consolidation of such claims with any other person or entity.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, whether in court or in arbitration, by participating in the Plan, you waive any right to commence, be a party to in any way, or be an actual or putative class member of any class, collective, or representative action arising out of or relating to any claim, and you agree that any claim may only be initiated or maintained and decided on an individual basis.

g)

Standard of Review. Any decision of an arbitrator on a claim shall be limited to determining whether the Claims Administrator’s decision or action was arbitrary or capricious or was unlawful. The arbitrator shall adhere to and apply the deferential standard of review set out in Conkright v. Frommert, 130 S. Ct. 1640 (2010), Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. v. Glenn, 554 U.S. 105 (2008), and Firestone Tire and Rubber Company v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101 (1989), and shall accord due deference to the determinations, interpretations, and construction of the Plan document by the Claim’s Administrator.

h)	General Procedures.

i.

Arbitration Rules. The arbitration hearing will be conducted under the AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules (as amended or revised from time to time by AAA) (hereinafter the “AAA Rules”), before one AAA arbitrator who is from the Large, Complex Case Panel and who has experience with matters involving executive compensation and equity compensation plans. The AAA Rules and the terms and procedures set forth here may conflict on certain issues. To the extent that the procedures set forth here conflict with the AAA Rules, the procedures set forth here shall control and be applied by the arbitrator. Notwithstanding the amount of the claim, the Procedures for Large, Complex Commercial Disputes shall not apply.

ii.	Substantive Law. The arbitrator shall apply the substantive law (and the laws of remedies, if applicable), of Minnesota or federal law, or both, depending upon the claim. Except to the extent required by applicable law, the Claimant shall keep any arbitration decision or award strictly confidential and not disclose to anyone other than his or her spouse, attorney, or tax advisor.

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iii.

Authority. The arbitrator shall have jurisdiction to hear and rule on prehearing disputes and is authorized to hold prehearing conferences by telephone or in person as the arbitrator deems necessary. The arbitrator will have the authority to hear a motion to dismiss and/or a motion for summary judgment by any party and in doing so shall apply the standards governing such motions under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

iv.	Pre-Hearing Procedures. Each party may take the deposition of not more than one individual and the expert witness, if any, designated by another party. Each party will have the right to subpoena witnesses in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act, Title 9 of the United States Code. Additional discovery may be had only if the arbitrator so orders, upon a showing of substantial need.

v.

Fees and Costs. Administrative arbitration fees and arbitrator compensation shall be borne equally by the parties, and each party shall be responsible for its own attorney’s fees, if any; provided, however, that the Committee will authorize payment by the Company of all administrative arbitration fees, arbitrator compensation and attorney’s fees if the Committee concludes that a Claimant has substantially prevailed on his or her claims. Unless prohibited by statute, the arbitrator shall assess attorney’s fees against a party upon a showing that such party’s claim, defense or position is frivolous, or unreasonable, or factually groundless. If either party pursues a claim by any means other than those set forth in this Article, the responding party shall be entitled to dismissal of such action, and the recovery of all costs and attorney’s fees and losses related to such action, unless prohibited by statute.

(i)	Interstate Commerce and the Federal Arbitration Act. The Company is involved in transactions involving interstate commerce, and the employee’s employment with the Company involves such commerce. Therefore, the Federal Arbitration Act, Title 9 of the United States Code, will govern the interpretation, enforcement, and all judicial proceedings regarding the arbitration procedures in this Section.

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(i)

the date any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a group (as the term “group” is used in Treasury Regulations section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B)), acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock previously held by the acquirer, constitutes more than fifty (50%) percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of Company stock. If any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a group, is considered to own more than fifty (50%) percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of Company stock, the acquisition of additional stock by the same Person or Persons acting as a group does not cause a Change in Control. An increase in the percentage of stock owned by any one Person, or Persons acting as a group, as a result of a transaction in which Company acquires its stock in exchange for property, is treated as an acquisition of stock;

(ii)

the date any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a group (as the term “group” is used in Treasury Regulations section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B)), acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by that Person or Persons) ownership of Company stock possessing at least thirty (30%) percent of the total voting power of Company stock;

(iii)	the date a majority of the members of the Company’s board of directors is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the board of directors prior to the date of appointment or election; or

(iv)

the date any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a group (as the term “group” is used in Treasury Regulations section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B)), acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by that Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to at least forty (40%) percent of the total gross fair market value of all the Company’s assets immediately prior to the acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, “gross fair market value” means the value of the corporation’s assets, or the value of the assets being disposed of, without regard to any liabilities associated with these assets.

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(i)	unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months;

(ii)	by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Employer’s accident and health plan;

(iii)	determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration; or

(iv)	disabled pursuant to an Employer-sponsored disability insurance arrangement provided that the definition of disability applied under such disability insurance program complies with the foregoing definition of Disability.

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a)	Time Limits. A Claimant seeking arbitration of any determination by the Claims Administrator must, within six (6) months of the date of the Claims Administrator’s final decision, file a demand for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association submitting the claim to resolution by arbitration. A Claimant waives any claim not filed timely in accordance with this Section.

b)	Rules Applicable to Arbitration. The arbitration process shall be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Law Rules of the American Arbitration Association.

c)	Venue. The arbitration shall be conducted in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

d)

Binding Effect. The decision of the arbitrator with respect to the claim will be final and binding upon the Company and the Claimant. BY PARTICIPATING IN THE PLAN, AND ACCEPTING THE GRANT, YOU, ON BEHALF OF YOURSELF AND ANY PERSON WITH A CLAIM RELATING TO YOUR GRANT, AGREE TO WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO SUE IN COURT OR TO PURSUE ANY OTHER LEGAL RIGHT OR REMEDY THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE AVAILABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE RESOLUTION OF THE CLAIM.

e)	Enforceability. Judgment upon any award entered by an arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction over the parties.

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f)

Waiver of Class, Collective, and Representative Actions.  Any claim shall be heard without consolidation of such claims with any other person or entity.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, whether in court or in arbitration, by participating in the Plan, you waive any right to commence, be a party to in any way, or be an actual or putative class member of any class, collective, or representative action arising out of or relating to any claim, and you agree that any claim may only be initiated or maintained and decided on an individual basis.

g)

Standard of Review. Any decision of an arbitrator on a claim shall be limited to determining whether the Claims Administrator’s decision or action was arbitrary or capricious or was unlawful. The arbitrator shall adhere to and apply the deferential standard of review set out in Conkright v. Frommert, 130 S. Ct. 1640 (2010), Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. v. Glenn, 554 U.S. 105 (2008), and Firestone Tire and Rubber Company v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101 (1989), and shall accord due deference to the determinations, interpretations, and construction of the Plan document by the Claims Administrator.

h)	General Procedures.

i.

Arbitration Rules. The arbitration hearing will be conducted under the AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules (as amended or revised from time to time by AAA) (hereinafter the “AAA Rules”), before one AAA arbitrator who is from the Large, Complex Case Panel and who has experience with matters involving executive compensation and equity compensation plans. The AAA Rules and the terms and procedures set forth here may conflict on certain issues. To the extent that the procedures set forth here conflict with the AAA Rules, the procedures set forth here shall control and be applied by the arbitrator. Notwithstanding the amount of the claim, the Procedures for Large, Complex Commercial Disputes shall not apply.

ii.	Substantive Law. The arbitrator shall apply the substantive law (and the laws of remedies, if applicable), of Minnesota or federal law, or both, depending upon the claim. Except to the extent required by applicable law, the Claimant shall keep any arbitration decision or award strictly confidential and not disclose to anyone other than his or her spouse, attorney, or tax advisor.

iii.

Authority. The arbitrator shall have jurisdiction to hear and rule on prehearing disputes and is authorized to hold prehearing conferences by telephone or in person as the arbitrator deems necessary. The arbitrator will have the authority to hear a motion to dismiss and/or a motion for summary judgment by any party and in doing so shall apply the standards governing such motions under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

iv.	Pre-Hearing Procedures. Each party may take the deposition of not more than one individual and the expert witness, if any, designated by another party. Each party will have the right to subpoena witnesses in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act, Title 9 of the United States Code. Additional discovery may be had only if the arbitrator so orders, upon a showing of substantial need.

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v.

Fees and Costs. Administrative arbitration fees and arbitrator compensation shall be borne equally by the parties, and each party shall be responsible for its own attorney’s fees, if any; provided, however, that the Committee will authorize payment by the Company of all administrative arbitration fees, arbitrator compensation and attorney’s fees if the Committee concludes that a Claimant has substantially prevailed on his or her claims. Unless prohibited by statute, the arbitrator shall assess attorney’s fees against a party upon a showing that such party’s claim, defense or position is frivolous, or unreasonable, or factually groundless. If either party pursues a claim by any means other than those set forth in this Article, the responding party shall be entitled to dismissal of such action, and the recovery of all costs and attorney’s fees and losses related to such action, unless prohibited by statute.

i)	Interstate Commerce and the Federal Arbitration Act. The Company is involved in transactions involving interstate commerce, and the employee’s employment with the Company involves such commerce. Therefore, the Federal Arbitration Act, Title 9 of the United States Code, will govern the interpretation, enforcement, and all judicial proceedings regarding the arbitration procedures in this Section.

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(a)	unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months;

(b)	by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Employer’s accident and health plan;

(c)	determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration; or

(d)	disabled pursuant to an Employer-sponsored disability insurance arrangement provided that the definition of disability applied under such disability insurance program complies with the foregoing definition of Disability.

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(1)	Cash and stock retainers may be deferred under the Director Compensation Deferral Plan II.

(2)	Cash retainers may be elected to be received in ALLETE stock.

(3)	Lead Director is not eligible for other committee or chair retainers.

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(a)	Certain insignificant subsidiaries are omitted.

1.	I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, of ALLETE, Inc.;

2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e))  and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

1.	I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, of ALLETE, Inc.;

2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e))  and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

1.	The Annual Report on Form 10-K of ALLETE for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, (Report) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m); and

2.	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of ALLETE.

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