Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)



	Three Months Ended Sept. 30
	2016			2015			2016			2015
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	6,487		$	7,065		$	192		$	232
Interest cost	13,852			12,714			4,518			4,375
Expected return on plan assets	(17,692		)	(18,147		)	(5,575		)	(5,951		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(801		)	(784		)	(1,562		)	(1,562		)
Amortization of net loss	6,692			9,094			483			618
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	8,538			9,942			(1,944		)	(2,288		)
Credits (costs) not recognized due to the effects of regulation	682			(366		)	—			—
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting	$	9,220		$	9,576		$	(1,944	)	$	(2,288	)




	Nine Months Ended Sept. 30
	2016			2015			2016			2015
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	19,445		$	21,195		$	576		$	696
Interest cost	41,554			38,142			13,554			13,124
Expected return on plan assets	(53,076		)	(54,442		)	(16,725		)	(17,852		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(2,408		)	(2,352		)	(4,686		)	(4,686		)
Amortization of net loss	20,078			27,282			1,449			1,856
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	25,593			29,825			(5,832		)	(6,862		)
Credits (cost) not recognized due to the effects of regulation	1,947			(1,098		)	—			—
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting	$	27,540		$	28,727		$	(5,832	)	$	(6,862	)

In January 2016, contributions of $125.0 million were made across four of Xcel Energy’s pension plans, of which $16.8 million was attributable to PSCo. Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2016.