Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

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, 2013 and 2012. A portion of the net periodic benefit cost is capitalized within the consolidated balance sheets.

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
(In thousands)		2013		2012
Pension Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	1,929	$	1,823
Interest cost		3,186		3,154
Expected return on assets		(4,776)		(3,818)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost		79		108
Actuarial loss		2,015		2,006
Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,433	$	3,273
Postretirement Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	596	$	647
Interest cost		970		1,125
Expected return on assets		(544)		(435)
Amortization of:
Transition obligation		1		106
Prior service cost		28		28
Actuarial loss		311		621
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,362	$	2,092

The PSCW allowed MGE to defer the 2009 incremental pension and OPRB costs above the amounts recovered in rates. During both the three months endedMarch 31,2013 and 2012, $0.3 millionhas been recovered in rates. These costs are not reflected in the table above.