Final answer:
If both wattmeter readings are positive and not equal, it indicates that the load has a lagging power factor. A lagging power factor means that the load is consuming more reactive power than is necessary, resulting in less efficient energy usage.
Step-by-step explanation:
If both wattmeter readings are positive and not equal, it indicates that the load has a lagging power factor. The power factor of a circuit is determined by the phase relationship between the voltage and current. In this case, the fact that one wattmeter reading is greater than the other suggests that there is an imbalance between the active power and reactive power, leading to a lagging power factor. A lagging power factor means that the load is consuming more reactive power than is necessary, resulting in less efficient energy usage.