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	$	6,301		$	5,863		$	803		$	590
Interest cost	11,540			12,929			5,934			6,122
Expected return on plan assets	(15,955		)	(16,416		)	(7,307		)	(6,258		)
Amortization of transition obligation	—			—			196			2,751
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost	(266		)	57			(1,229		)	(1,287		)
Amortization of net loss	10,854			8,795			3,489			2,860
Net periodic benefit cost	12,474			11,228			1,886			4,778
Additional cost recognized due to the effects of regulation	—			—			—			973
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	12,474		$	11,228		$	1,886		$	5,751



	Six Months Ended June 30
	2013			2012			2013			2012
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	12,603		$	11,360		$	1,606		$	1,413
Interest cost	23,080			25,553			11,868			12,264
Expected return on plan assets	(31,910		)	(32,651		)	(14,614		)	(12,528		)
Amortization of transition obligation	—			—			392			5,502
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost	(532		)	114			(2,458		)	(2,575		)
Amortization of net loss	21,708			17,100			6,979			5,464
Net periodic benefit cost	24,949			21,476			3,773			9,540
Additional cost recognized due to the effects of regulation	—			—			—			1,946
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	24,949		$	21,476		$	3,773		$	11,486

In January 2013, contributions of $191.5 million were made across four of Xcel Energy’s pension plans, of which $44.3 million was attributable to PSCo. Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2013.