Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)



	Three Months Ended Sept. 30
	2018			2017			2018			2017
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	2,429		$	2,439		$	280		$	219
Interest cost ^(a)	4,603			4,928			410			415
Expected return on plan assets ^(a)	(7,082		)	(6,971		)	(615		)	(589		)
Amortization of prior service credit ^(a)	(34		)	—			(101		)	(100		)
Amortization of net loss (gain) ^(a)	3,517			3,245			(114		)	(155		)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	3,433			3,641			(140		)	(210		)
(Costs) credits not recognized due to the effects of regulation	(468		)	553			—			—
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting	$	2,965		$	4,194		$	(140	)	$	(210	)



	Nine Months Ended Sept. 30
	2018			2017			2018			2017
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	7,289		$	7,319		$	839		$	657
Interest cost ^(a)	13,808			14,783			1,231			1,245
Expected return on plan assets ^(a)	(21,246		)	(20,913		)	(1,846		)	(1,767		)
Amortization of prior service credit ^(a)	(103		)	—			(302		)	(300		)
Amortization of net loss (gain) ^(a)	10,551			9,735			(340		)	(465		)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	10,299			10,924			(418		)	(630		)
Credits not recognized due to the effects of regulation	1,267			1,275			—			—
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting	$	11,566		$	12,199		$	(418	)	$	(630	)

^(a)The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item “other expense, net” in the income statement or capitalized on the balance sheet as a regulatory asset.

In January 2018, contributions of $150 million were made across four of Xcel Energy’s pension plans, of which $8.0 million was attributable to SPS. Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2018.