Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

	Three Months Ended March 31
	2018			2017			2018			2017
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	1,195		$	1,154		$	9		$	7
Interest cost (a)	1,360			1,554			142			148
Expected return on plan assets (a)	(2,256		)	(2,295		)	(16		)	(8		)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (a)	(8		)	35			(88		)	(88		)
Amortization of net loss (a)	1,418			1,462			139			109
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,709		$	1,910		$	186		$	168
Credits not recognized due to the effects of regulation	$	221		$	—		$	—		$	—
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	1,930		$	1,910		$	186		$	168

a) The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item “other income, net” in the

income statement or capitalized on the balance sheet as a regulatory asset.

In January 2018, contributions of $150 million were made across four of Xcel Energy’s pension plans, of which $10.0 million was attributable to NSP-Wisconsin. Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2018.