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Pensions
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2024
Pensions [Abstract]  
Pensions

11.  Pensions

Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost

 
Three Months
Ended September 30
    
Nine Months
Ended September 30
  
   
2024
    
2023
    
2024
    
2023
  
                         
Service cost
  
$
159
    
$
150
    
$
476
    
$
449
  
Interest cost
    
464
      
469
      
1,392
      
1,407
  
Expected return on plan assets
    
(791
)
    
(903
)
    
(2,374
)
    
(2,709
)
Amortization of prior service cost
    
(4
)
    
(4
)
    
(10
)
    
(10
)
Rate-regulated adjustment
    
172
   
677
      
627
      
2,154
  
Net periodic pension cost
  
$
–
 
$
389
    
$
111
    
$
1,291
  

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, 2023 that it expected to contribute $1,556 to its pension plans in 2024.  Subsequently, the Company determined its maximum deductible contribution under the Internal Revenue Code is $111.  The most recent rate order issued by the PPUC limited the deposit to the pension plans to the deductible amount.  The Company is permitted by the rate order to expense pension costs to the extent of contributions and defer any remaining expense to regulatory assets or recognize the excess as a regulatory liability.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, contributions of $111 have been made.  The Company does not expect to contribute any additional amounts in the final quarter of 2024.