The coupling of communication networks plays an indispensable role in modern power systems; however, it also leads to many problems due to cascading failure. Although most current research focuses on the single-layer, non-interacting system and physical layer network, few studies have combined the complex network theory to ignore the influence of communication networks. To address this problem, this paper introduces a cascading failure model of a cyber physical power system (CPPS) that considers the operation characteristics of the communication layer, especially the influence of transmission delay and connectivity on stability control. First, the influence mode of the communication layer failure node acting on the physical layer is analyzed, and the interaction mechanism between the communication layer and physical layer is clarified. Furthermore, the propagation process of failure in the CPPS system is modeled, and the influence of information transmission delay on the stability control process is considered. In this manner, the development process of cascading failure in a CPPS system is described accurately. Finally, according to the loss rate of the physical layer load, the influence of the communication layer node is evaluated to verify the accuracy of the model. This paper also provides a practical model of a CPPS system, which is helpful for building a secure and reliable energy Internet. INDEX TERMS Cascading failure, communication delay, complex network, cyber physical power system, stability control.