Pensions

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Pensions [Abstract]

Pensions

11. Pensions

Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost

	Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Service cost	$	253		$	270		$	761		$	810
Interest cost		378			398			1,136			1,194
Expected return on plan assets		(698	)		(599	)		(2,094	)		(1,796	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		102			123			305			369
Amortization of prior service cost		(3	)		(3	)		(10	)		(9	)
Rate-regulated adjustment		543			386			1,627			1,157
Net periodic pension expense	$	575		$	575		$	1,725		$	1,725

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 nine months ended September 30, 2018, contributions of $1,725 have been made.  The Company expects to contribute the remaining $575 during the final quarter of 2018.