Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

10.      Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

	Three Months Ended March 31
	2012			2011			2012			2011
							Postretirement Health
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Care Benefits
Service cost	$	1,134		$	902		$	5		$	4
Interest cost		1,910			2,018			264			272
Expected return on plan assets		(2,611	)		(2,901	)		(13	)		(19	)
Amortization of transition obligation		-			-			43			43
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		443			474			(4	)		(4	)
Amortization of net loss		1,435			968			114			88
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	2,311		$	1,461		$	409		$	384

In January 2012, contributions of $190.5 million were made across four of Xcel Energy's pension plans, of which $12.3 million was attributable to NSP-Wisconsin.  Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2012.