Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)

	Three Months Ended June 30
	2021		2020
(Millions of Dollars)	Pension Benefits
Service cost	$	1	$	1
Interest cost (a)	1		1
Expected return on plan assets (a)	(2)		(2)
Amortization of net loss (a)	1		1
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1	$	1
Effects of regulation	—		2
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	1	$	3

	Six Months Ended June 30
	2021		2020
(Millions of Dollars)	Pension Benefits
Service cost	$	3	$	2
Interest cost (a)	2		2
Expected return on plan assets (a)	(4)		(4)
Amortization of net loss (a)	2		3
Net periodic benefit cost	$	3	$	3
Effects of regulation	—		4
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	3	$	7

(a)     The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item “Other expense, net” in the consolidated statements of income or capitalized on the consolidated balance sheets as a regulatory asset.

In January 2021, contributions of $125 million were made across four of Xcel Energy’s pension plans, of which $5 million was attributable to NSP-Wisconsin. Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2021.