Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)



	Three Months Ended June 30
	2014			2013			2014			2013
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	2,296		$	2,403		$	311		$	342
Interest cost	5,111			4,477			643			588
Expected return on plan assets	(6,545		)	(5,992		)	(811		)	(796		)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	13			217			(101		)	(121		)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	3,331			4,287			(81		)	(1		)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	4,206			5,392			(39		)	12
Credits (costs) not recognized due to the effects of regulation	708			(317		)	—			—
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting	$	4,914		$	5,075		$	(39	)	$	12



	Six Months Ended June 30
	2014			2013			2014			2013
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	4,592		$	4,807		$	623		$	684
Interest cost	10,222			8,954			1,286			1,176
Expected return on plan assets	(13,090		)	(11,985		)	(1,623		)	(1,592		)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	27			435			(201		)	(242		)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	6,663			8,574			(161		)	(3		)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	8,414			10,785			(76		)	23
Credits (costs) not recognized due to the effects of regulation	1,415			(1,392		)	—			—
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting	$	9,829		$	9,393		$	(76	)	$	23

In January 2014, contributions of $130.0 million were made across three of Xcel Energy’s pension plans, of which $4.4 million was attributable to SPS. Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2014.