Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

11.	Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

	Three Months Ended March 31
	2013			2012			2013			2012
							Postretirement Health
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Care Benefits
Service cost	$	2,404		$	2,133		$	342		$	328
Interest cost		4,477			4,880			588			671
Expected return on plan assets		(5,993	)		(6,247	)		(796	)		(677	)
Amortization of transition obligation		-			-			-			386
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		218			360			(121	)		(37	)
Amortization of net loss (gain)		4,287			3,142			(2	)		283
Net periodic benefit cost		5,393			4,268			11			954
Costs not recognized due to the effects of regulation		(1,075	)		(1,075	)		-			-
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	4,318		$	3,193		$	11		$	954

In January 2013, contributions of $191.5 million were made across four of Xcel Energy's pension plans, of which $21.9 million was attributable to SPS. Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2013.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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