Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

XCEL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS YEARS ENDED DEC. 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013 (amounts in thousands)
			Additions
	Balance at Jan. 1		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to Other Accounts(a)		Deductions from Reserves(b)		Balance at Dec. 31
Allowance for bad debts:
2015	$	57,719	$	36,074	$	11,784	$	53,689	$	51,888
2014	53,107		42,765		14,067		52,220		57,719
2013	51,394		37,627		14,469		50,383		53,107
NOL and tax credit valuation allowances:
2015	$	3,402	$	2,064	$	24,784	$	2,571	$	27,679
2014	3,263		139		—		—		3,402
2013	3,314		—		—		51		3,263

^(a)  Recovery of amounts previously written off as related to allowance for bad debts. Accrual of valuation allowance for North Dakota ITC, offset to regulatory liability.

^(b)  Deductions related to allowance for bad debts relates primarily to write-offs. Reductions to valuation allowances for North Dakota ITC carryforwards primarily due to a consolidated adjustment to the regulatory liability accrual referenced above. Reductions to valuation allowances for NOL carryforwards primarily due to changes in forecasted taxable income.