10. Pensions

Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost

	Three Months Ended March 31
	2019			2018

Service cost	$	212		$	254
Interest cost		411			379
Expected return on plan assets		(683	)		(698	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		105			101
Amortization of prior service credit		(3	)		(3	)
Rate-regulated adjustment		533			542
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, 2018 that it expected to contribute $2,300 to its pension plans in 2019. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, contributions of $575 have been made. The Company expects to contribute the remaining $1,725 during the final three quarters of 2019.