Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

	Three Months Ended Sept. 30
	2014			2013			2014			2013
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	22,086		$	24,071		$	864		$	1,182
Interest cost	39,155			35,173			8,507			8,417
Expected return on plan assets	(51,801		)	(49,613		)	(8,489		)	(8,253		)
Amortization of transition obligation	—			—			—			206
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost	(437		)	1,468			(2,672		)	(2,438		)
Amortization of net loss	29,191			36,038			2,935			5,646
Net periodic benefit cost	38,194			47,137			1,145			4,760
Costs not recognized due to the effects of regulation	(6,605		)	(12,986		)	—			—
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	31,589		$	34,151		$	1,145		$	4,760

	Nine Months Ended Sept. 30
	2014			2013			2014			2013
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	66,257		$	72,212		$	2,592		$	3,546
Interest cost	117,465			105,518			25,521			25,251
Expected return on plan assets	(155,403		)	(148,839		)	(25,466		)	(24,759		)
Amortization of transition obligation	—			—			—			618
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost	(1,310		)	4,404			(8,016		)	(7,314		)
Amortization of net loss	87,572			108,114			8,805			16,938
Net periodic benefit cost	114,581			141,409			3,436			14,280
Costs not recognized due to the effects of regulation	(20,261		)	(27,922		)	—			—
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	94,320		$	113,487		$	3,436		$	14,280

In January 2014, contributions of $130.0 million were made across three of Xcel Energy’s pension plans. Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2014.