Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)



	Three Months Ended Sept. 30
	2017			2016			2017			2016
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	2,439		$	2,440		$	219		$	194
Interest cost	4,928			5,315			415			455
Expected return on plan assets	(6,971		)	(6,901		)	(589		)	(594		)
Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			(100		)	(100		)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	3,245			2,997			(155		)	(146		)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	3,641			3,851			(210		)	(191		)
Credits not recognized due to the effects of regulation	553			637			—			—
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting	$	4,194		$	4,488		$	(210	)	$	(191	)




	Nine Months Ended Sept. 30
	2017			2016			2017			2016
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Health Care Benefits
Service cost	$	7,319		$	7,320		$	657		$	582
Interest cost	14,783			15,945			1,245			1,365
Expected return on plan assets	(20,913		)	(20,703		)	(1,767		)	(1,782		)
Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			(300		)	(300		)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	9,735			8,991			(465		)	(438		)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	10,924			11,553			(630		)	(573		)
Credits not recognized due to the effects of regulation	1,275			1,353			—			—
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting	$	12,199		$	12,906		$	(630	)	$	(573	)

In January 2017, contributions of $150.0 million were made across four of Xcel Energy’s pension plans, of which $23.0 million was attributable to SPS. Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2017.