Energy and Ultimate readiness are separate
Energy powers EX Special Attacks. You recover it through combat and regeneration, with some kits adding conditional recovery. Ultimates use Decibels instead, so having enough Energy for an EX does not mean your Ultimate is ready.
The ordinary Special and EX Special can also behave differently. Anby’s versions both deal Electric damage, but her EX has its own Energy cost, scaling and protection during the attack.
Plan around the actual cost and recovery
Anby needs 60 Energy for her EX Special. With her Additional Ability active, a Dodge Counter hit can recover Energy at its listed interval. This gives you a way to work toward the next EX while responding to an enemy.
Steam Oven rewards stored Energy with an Impact bonus. Its Energy Regen stat helps recovery, while the effect counts Energy held and keeps its stacks briefly after you spend. Both parts matter when planning an EX window.
Related reading: Steam Oven · Anby
Spend when the action serves the sequence
Use an EX when its effect supports your next action. You may want to establish a support field, add Anomaly buildup, or push an enemy toward Stun before switching to your damage dealer.
Being able to use an EX is only one part of that decision. Check your resources and the follow-up you want, then consider Chain Attacks and Ultimates separately according to their own availability.
Related reading: W-Engine Stats & Effects