Do I need to have children to submit an application to the school ballot?

No. Every member is eligible to apply during the school holiday ballot periods.

When does the school ballot run?

Ballot applications normally open about 5 months before the school holiday period. The application process is open for 3 weeks. Upcoming ballot information will always be displayed under the Holiday Homes Tab on the Energy West website HERE.

How does the ballot process work?

The ballot process is run by an algorithm that has been developed by a 3rd party Company. This process incorporates Microsoft’s random GUID algorithm. An easy way to understand is by thinking of the ballot process as a lotto system.

Once the ballot has been allocated to members, the system then creates a random waitlist which is used for second-round offers. Anyone that has received a first-round offer has the option of 1) accepting the offer, or 2) rejecting the offer and being added to the bottom of the waitlist. If you do not reject the offer, your Ballot application will automatically be taken off the ballot waitlist for other offers. 

What can I do if I made a mistake on my ballot?

Even if the Ballot timeline has closed, any member can edit their ballot applications at any time. To edit your current Ballot Applications, please follow the below steps: 

1. Login to your Member Profile HERE.
2. Select your Name located on the top right corner
3. Select the "Your Ballots" subheading. 
4. Select the Ballot application you would like to edit and save.

How do I know if I’ve been successful in a ballot?

The ballot system will email you the outcome of your application once the application is closed. This email is generated within 48 hours of the close off date. Do check your spam/junk box for the outcome. The email will be sent to the email address that was on the member's profile as of date of application.

Do I have to accept a ballot offer?

No, but we do ask you to notify us as soon as you know that you can’t accept the offer to not disadvantage your fellow members wanting that property. If you do not want to take the offer, select "Decline" offer to stay on the wait list for other offers. 

What is considered as a valid offer?

For our statistics, a valid offer is any offer whether made from your initial application or from the waitlist.

How long do I have to accept an offer and make payment?

Members who receive a first-round ballot offer will have 1 week to accept the offer from date of initial offer, and 3 weeks to make payment from date of initial offer. Members who receive a subsequent ballot offer will have 48 hours to accept the offer from date of initial offer, and 3 weeks to make payment from date of initial offer.

Am I able to swap my ballot booking with someone else?

No. This is because the ballot process is completely automated. This is why it is so important to make sure your ballot application reflects the dates/locations your desire. 

Why do I have to pay a $5 per night ballot surcharge for the school Holiday Booking Period?

A $5.00/night School Holiday surcharge was introduced for all Ballots occurring after July 1, 2020 - effectively for the December 2020/January 2021 School Holiday Ballot. All members were informed of the introduction of this surcharge via the EWSC Newsletter. The Board introduced the surcharge in recognition of the significant additional administrative work required to manage School Holiday Ballot periods.

What can I do if I can’t make the payment in full within 3 weeks of initial offer?

Contact the EWSC office on feedback@energywest.com.au as soon as you are aware that payment will be an issue by the due date. We can provide an extension plan however, it does have additional terms and conditions.