Using a large sample of storms of different intensity the ring current magnetic field development is followed in terms of varying interplanetary conditions. It is shown that although the storm depression field is associated with energy input into the magnetosphere, the sustained IEF intensity <-5 mV/m as a condition for the occurrence of intense storms appears not to be of general validity. Quantification of the magnetic storm development indicates the role of the actual state of the magnetosphere in the development of its response on interplanetary medium forcing. Ring current energization is considered for some storm models represented by pairs of energy injection rate and time decay parameter. A number of models are juxtaposed quantitatively. The adequacy of modeling of storm profiles and the significance of decay parameter in the magnetic storm development is discussed from the viewpoint of consistency of energy injection rate and energy decay rate and also with regard to an adequate distribution of dissipated energy within the ring current region and auroral ionosphere.

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