There was talk back in the 60's when I started an apprentiship with the CEGB that meter readings could be tweaked by changing the power factor of appliances. It seems though that even the early induction disc meters, which measured only current in phase with voltage and hence gave real power readings v reactive power.

This image best explains the difference innocent

[Linked Image]

Richard

2018 Roadster 3.7
1966 Land Rover S2a 88
2024 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450
1945 Guzzi Airone