11.

Pensions

Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost

	Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2018			2017			2018			2017

Service cost	$	254		$	270		$	508		$	540
Interest cost		379			398			758			796
Expected return on plan assets		(698	)		(598	)		(1,396	)		(1,197	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		102			123			203			246
Amortization of prior service cost		(4	)		(3	)		(7	)		(6	)
Rate-regulated adjustment		542			385			1,084			771
Net periodic pension expense	$	575		$	575		$	1,150		$	1,150

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 six months ended June 30, 2018, contributions of $1,150 have been made. The Company expects to contribute the remaining $1,150 over the final two quarters of 2018.