Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

6.       Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - MGE Energy and MGE.

MGE maintains qualified and nonqualified pension plans, health care, and life insurance benefits. Additionally, MGE has defined contribution 401(k) benefit plans.

The following table presents the components of MGE Energy's and MGE's net periodic benefit costs recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. A portion of the net periodic benefit cost is capitalized within the consolidated balance sheets. The PSCW allowed MGE to defer the 2009 incremental pension and OPRB costs above the amounts recovered in rates. During the three months endedMarch 31,2012 and 2011, $0.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively, has been recovered in rates.

		Three Months Ended
(In thousands)		March 31,
		2012		2011
Pension Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	1,823	$	1,540
Interest cost		3,154		3,080
Expected return on assets		(3,818)		(3,531)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost		108		109
Actuarial loss		2,006		946
Net periodic benefit cost	$	3,273	$	2,144
Postretirement Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	647	$	487
Interest cost		1,125		982
Expected return on assets		(435)		(396)
Amortization of:
Transition obligation		106		107
Prior service cost		28		27
Actuarial loss		621		111
Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,092	$	1,318