The combination of cyber-physical-social systems and demand response assessment is reviewed. First, the history and framework of cyber-physical systems are analyzed. Then, summaries are provided for the existing research on demand response, including the significance, classification, and evaluation methods of demand response potential assessment, as well as the data sources for demand response capability assessment, including questionnaire surveys and operational data collection. In terms of the combination of cyber-physical-social systems and demand response, the physical domain, information domain and social domain foundation of demand response are analyzed respectively, and the corresponding modeling methods and research contents are introduced. Finally, prospects are provided for market assessment mechanisms, rapid simulation and modeling technologies, and demand response management under integrated energy systems.