Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

	Three Months Ended Sept. 30
	2021		2020		2021		2020
(Millions of Dollars)	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	8	$	8	$	—	$	—
Interest cost (a)	9		11		2		3
Expected return on plan assets (a)	(18)		(18)		(4)		(4)
Amortization of prior service credit (a)	—		(1)		(1)		(1)
Amortization of net loss (a)	9		8		1		—
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	8		8		(2)		(2)
Effects of regulation	(2)		3		1		1
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting	$	6	$	11	$	(1)	$	(1)
	Nine Months Ended Sept. 30
	2021		2020		2021		2020
(Millions of Dollars)	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	24	$	23	$	—	$	—
Interest cost (a)	29		34		8		10
Expected return on plan assets (a)	(54)		(53)		(12)		(13)
Amortization of prior service credit (a)	—		(2)		(3)		(3)
Amortization of net loss (a)	24		23		3		1
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	23		25		(4)		(5)
Effects of regulation	—		3		2		2
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting	$	23	$	28	$	(2)	$	(3)

(a)     The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item “Other income (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 $45 million was attributable to PSCo. Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2021.