10. Pensions

Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost

	Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2019			2018			2019			2018

Service cost	$	212		$	254		$	424		$	508
Interest cost		411			379			822			758
Expected return on plan assets		(683	)		(698	)		(1,366	)		(1,396	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		105			102			210			203
Amortization of prior service cost		(3	)		(4	)		(6	)		(7	)
Rate-regulated adjustment		533			542			1,066			1,084
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, 2018 that it expected to contribute $2,300 to its pension plans in 2019. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, contributions of $1,150 have been made. The Company expects to contribute the remaining $1,150 during the final two quarters of 2019.