11.

Pensions

Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost

	Three Months Ended March 31
	2018			2017
Service cost	$	254		$	270
Interest cost		379			398
Expected return on plan assets		(698	)		(599	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		101			123
Amortization of prior service credit		(3	)		(3	)
Rate-regulated adjustment		542			386
Net periodic pension expense	$	575		$	575

Pension service cost is recorded in operating expenses. All other components of net periodic pension cost are recorded as other pension costs in other income (expenses).

Employer Contributions

The Company previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 that it expected to contribute $2,300 to its pension plans in 2018. For the quarter ended March 31, 2018, contributions of $575 had been made. The Company expects to contribute the remaining $1,725 over the final three quarters of 2018.