Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

12. Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

	Three Months Ended March 31
	2012			2011			2012			2011
							Postretirement Health
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Care Benefits
Service cost	$	21,329		$	18,112		$	1,180		$	1,315
Interest cost		38,723			39,915			9,380			10,551
Expected return on plan assets		(51,476	)		(55,286	)		(7,111	)		(7,968	)
Amortization of transition obligation		-			-			3,580			3,611
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		5,266			5,633			(1,888	)		(1,233	)
Amortization of net loss		26,318			18,729			3,965			3,343
Net periodic benefit cost		40,160			27,103			9,106			9,619
Costs not recognized and additional cost recognized due to the effects of regulation		(9,133	)		(7,885	)		973			973
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	31,027		$	19,218		$	10,079		$	10,592

In January 2012, contributions of $190.5 million were made across four of Xcel Energy's pension plans.  Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2012.