If the load is resistive, aka portable heater, incandescent light bulbs, etc..
Watts equal VA
But when running inductive loads that are not PF corrected, compressor motors transformers etc..
Then VA used will be more than Work done Not equal aka watts will be less
The avg person doesn't think in VA
They think in watts, 1000w is ten 100w light bulbs, 1500w is one portable electric heater
If the generator box said 1000 VA , they would be lost, "what does that mean"
Would be the question of the day for every sales person involved