Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost



	Three Months Ended June 30
	2013			2012			2013			2012
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	1,420		$	1,150		$	6		$	5
Interest cost	1,731			1,925			190			274
Expected return on plan assets	(2,498		)	(2,634		)	(10		)	(12		)
Amortization of transition obligation	—			—			—			43
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	104			443			(88		)	(3		)
Amortization of net loss	1,981			1,487			241			128
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	2,738		$	2,371		$	339		$	435



	Six Months Ended June 30
	2013			2012			2013			2012
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	2,841		$	2,284		$	12		$	10
Interest cost	3,462			3,835			380			538
Expected return on plan assets	(4,997		)	(5,245		)	(21		)	(25		)
Amortization of transition obligation	—			—			—			86
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	208			886			(176		)	(7		)
Amortization of net loss	3,962			2,922			482			242
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	5,476		$	4,682		$	677		$	844

In January 2013, contributions of $191.5 million were made across four of Xcel Energy’s pension plans, of which $11.3 million was attributable to NSP-Wisconsin. Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2013.